English Literature
What differences between the two women and their societies lead to Nora's leaving Torvald and Oseki's return to her husband?
Oseki who is married to Isamu attempts to run away from her unhappy marriage. Her attempt is highly contradicted to the many social norms within the institution of marriage in Japan. However eventually she complies with the rules. Oseki's parents urged her to marry Isamu instead of Roku because he would raise their standard of living and social status. Her husband Isamu did not respect her because she is not well educated; as a result, she is verbally abused and humiliated. Oseki contemplates "How can I tell my parents to get a divorce for me," after she explains to her parents the mother supports…show more content… I would consider the play as a tragedy in its simple sense.Nora walks out of her home at night and having to leave her children is considered something undesirable and sad. She loves her children, husband, and house and by her leaving she is bound to go out into a hostile world. With eyes of a traditional person it's very tragic for a woman to leave her home. I view Norah as a tragic heroine as she is purged by suffering and grows in stature. It's also a tragedy for Torvald as he suffers the little consequences of his fatal weakness of falsity, pride, and ego in his love.
Do you think Ichiyo's story has a "happy end"?
No, Ichiyo's story does not have a happy ending. Although Oseki goes back to her home after realizing she can never be happy without her son and her brother losing his job, her life does not change. It's obvious that her husband continues to treat her as she did as she is still uneducated. As Oseki is on her way home she meets Roku who was her lover and they exchange conversation about Roku's downward spiral since she got married to Isamu. The two were romantically involved until Oseki was forced to marry Isamu. However, the two go back to living their miserable
