- 1. Dawn to the West by Donald Keene is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolution of Japanese literature from ancient times to the modern era. Keene, a prominent scholar and translator, meticulously examines various literary works, providing readers with a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have shaped Japanese writing. The book is notable for its rich analysis of key themes, styles, and notable authors, including ancient classics like 'The Tale of Genji' and modern literary figures such as Yukio Mishima and Jun'ichirō Tanizaki. Through his expert commentary, Keene highlights the unique aesthetic qualities of Japanese literature, emphasizing its sensitivity to nature, human emotion, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Japanese worldview. The narrative is both engaging and academically rigorous, making it a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the profound literary heritage of Japan. Keene's passion for his subject shines through, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Japanese literature throughout the ages.
What is the primary subject of Donald Keene's 'Dawn to the West'?
A) Korean art
B) Japanese literature
C) Chinese history
D) Western philosophy
- 2. Which historical period does 'Dawn to the West' begin its examination of Japanese literature?
A) Edo period
B) Meiji period
C) Heian period
D) World War II
- 3. Which writer discussed in 'Dawn to the West' is known for 'The Dancing Girl of Izu'?
A) Abe Kōbō
B) Mishima Yukio
C) Kawabata Yasunari
D) Tanizaki Jun'ichirō
- 4. What significant literary development occurred during the Meiji period according to Keene?
A) Development of haiku
B) Creation of Noh drama
C) Invention of kana script
D) Adoption of Western literary forms
- 5. What literary genre became particularly popular during the Taishō period?
A) Historical drama
B) The I-novel
C) Science fiction
D) Epic poetry
- 6. Which writer discussed by Keene committed seppuku in 1970?
A) Akutagawa Ryūnosuke
B) Dazai Osamu
C) Mishima Yukio
D) Kawabata Yasunari
- 7. What was Donald Keene's primary academic affiliation?
A) Stanford University
B) Harvard University
C) University of Tokyo
D) Columbia University
- 8. Which literary group does Keene associate with Yokomitsu Riichi and Kawabata Yasunari?
A) Shinkankakuha
B) Shirakaba
C) Miraiha
D) Buraiha
- 9. Which writer is known for 'The Setting Sun' and discussed extensively by Keene?
A) Mishima Yukio
B) Tanizaki Jun'ichirō
C) Ōe Kenzaburō
D) Dazai Osamu
- 10. What significant event influenced Japanese literature in the immediate postwar period?
A) Meiji Restoration
B) Great Kanto Earthquake
C) Atomic bombings and defeat
D) Oil crisis
- 11. Which literary movement opposed naturalism in early 20th century Japan?
A) Modernism
B) Existentialism
C) Realism
D) Romanticism
- 12. Which literary group does Keene associate with Dazai Osamu and Sakaguchi Ango?
A) Shinkankakuha
B) Shirakaba
C) Buraiha
D) Miraiha
- 13. Which writer discussed by Keene is known for 'The Makioka Sisters'?
A) Mishima Yukio
B) Kawabata Yasunari
C) Dazai Osamu
D) Tanizaki Jun'ichirō
- 14. What does Keene identify as a key characteristic of modern Japanese drama?
A) Focus on musical theater
B) Exclusive use of Noh conventions
C) Blending traditional and Western forms
D) Rejection of all Western influence
- 15. What major historical event significantly influenced Japanese literature in the early 20th century?
A) Korean War
B) Vietnam War
C) Russo-Japanese War
D) World War I
- 16. Which literary movement emphasized personal experience and subjectivity in early 20th century Japan?
A) Romanticism
B) Futurism
C) Symbolism
D) Naturalism
- 17. What was the 'I Novel' (Watakushi shōsetsu) in Japanese literature?
A) Science fiction
B) Historical fiction
C) Autobiographical fiction
D) Detective fiction
- 18. What role did literary magazines play in modern Japanese literature?
A) Religious texts
B) Government propaganda
C) Platform for new writers
D) Children's education
- 19. Which literary prize is mentioned in relation to post-war Japanese literature?
A) Akutagawa Prize
B) Nobel Prize
C) Booker Prize
D) Pulitzer Prize
- 20. Which literary form saw significant development in post-war Japan?
A) Folktales
B) Epic poetry
C) Religious texts
D) The novel
- 21. How does Keene characterize the relationship between tradition and modernity in Japanese literature?
A) Western domination
B) Unchanging tradition
C) Dynamic tension
D) Complete break
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