I Novel
Encyclopedia
is a literary genre
in Japanese literature
used to describe a type of confessional literature where the events in the story correspond to events in the author's life. This genre was founded based on the Japanese reception of Naturalism
during the Meiji period
. Many authors believed form reflected greater individuality and a less constrained method of writing. From its beginnings, the "I-Novel" was a genre that also was meant to expose the dark side of society or the dark side of the author's life.
There are several general rules for the creation of an I-Novel: The first and most important was that it was often written from the first person perspective (and this is where the "I" of I-Novel comes from). The story attempts to portray a realistic view of the world (thus the genre's ties to Naturalism). The idea was to prove that a real experience can be completely portrayed with language. Because these two concepts were so important to the authors they used the events of their own lives for their subject matter. Many of them were also trained in literary studies, so their works expressed a great knowledge of literature. Additionally, compared to formal writing styles influenced by Chinese literature, used more casual language.
The first "I-Novels" are believed to be Hakai (Broken Commandment), written in 1906 by Shimazaki Toson
, and Futon
(Quilt) written by Tayama Katai in 1907. In Hakai, Toson described a male who was born a member of a discriminated segment of the population (burakumin
), and how he decided to violate his father's commandment not to reveal his community of birth. In Futon, the protagonist confesses his affection for a female pupil.
Major writers include Naoya Shiga, Osamu Dazai
and others. Scandal
by Shusaku Endo
is a recent example of an "I-Novel"
Literary genre
A literary genre is a category of literary composition. Genres may be determined by literary technique, tone, content, or even length. Genre should not be confused with age category, by which literature may be classified as either adult, young-adult, or children's. They also must not be confused...
in Japanese literature
Japanese literature
Early works of Japanese literature were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, often written in Classical Chinese. Indian literature also had an influence through the diffusion of Buddhism in Japan...
used to describe a type of confessional literature where the events in the story correspond to events in the author's life. This genre was founded based on the Japanese reception of Naturalism
Naturalism (literature)
Naturalism was a literary movement taking place from the 1880s to 1940s that used detailed realism to suggest that social conditions, heredity, and environment had inescapable force in shaping human character...
during the Meiji period
Meiji period
The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
. Many authors believed form reflected greater individuality and a less constrained method of writing. From its beginnings, the "I-Novel" was a genre that also was meant to expose the dark side of society or the dark side of the author's life.
There are several general rules for the creation of an I-Novel: The first and most important was that it was often written from the first person perspective (and this is where the "I" of I-Novel comes from). The story attempts to portray a realistic view of the world (thus the genre's ties to Naturalism). The idea was to prove that a real experience can be completely portrayed with language. Because these two concepts were so important to the authors they used the events of their own lives for their subject matter. Many of them were also trained in literary studies, so their works expressed a great knowledge of literature. Additionally, compared to formal writing styles influenced by Chinese literature, used more casual language.
The first "I-Novels" are believed to be Hakai (Broken Commandment), written in 1906 by Shimazaki Toson
Shimazaki Toson
is the pen-name of Shimazaki Haruki, a Japanese author, active in the Meiji, Taishō and early Shōwa periods of Japan. He began his career as a romantic poet, but went on to establish himself as a major proponent of naturalism in Japanese fiction.-Early life:...
, and Futon
Futon
Futon is an English word derived from Japanese , a term generally referring to the traditional style of Japanese bedding consisting of padded mattresses and quilts pliable enough to be folded and stored away during the day, allowing the room to serve for purposes other than as a bedroom...
(Quilt) written by Tayama Katai in 1907. In Hakai, Toson described a male who was born a member of a discriminated segment of the population (burakumin
Burakumin
are a Japanese social minority group. The burakumin are one of the main minority groups in Japan, along with the Ainu of Hokkaidō, the Ryukyuans of Okinawa and Japanese residents of Korean and Chinese descent....
), and how he decided to violate his father's commandment not to reveal his community of birth. In Futon, the protagonist confesses his affection for a female pupil.
Major writers include Naoya Shiga, Osamu Dazai
Osamu Dazai
was a Japanese author who is considered one of the foremost fiction writers of 20th-century Japan.-Biography:-Early life:Dazai was born , the eighth surviving child of a wealthy landowner in Kanagi, a remote corner of Japan at the northern tip of Tōhoku in Aomori Prefecture...
and others. Scandal
Scandal (1986 novel)
Scandal is a 1986 novel by the Japanese author Shusaku Endō.-Plot summary:Set in Tokyo during the 1980s, it tells the story of an old Catholic writer struggling with old age and the feeling that he yet has to write his magnum opus...
by Shusaku Endo
Shusaku Endo
Shūsaku Endō was a 20th-century Japanese author who wrote from the unusual perspective of being both Japanese and Catholic...
is a recent example of an "I-Novel"