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History 175 (2008)
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History 175 (2008)
Book Quiz #1: Makiko's Diary
Makiko's Diary
Instructions: The Book Quiz will be comprised of two sections: matching and a short essay (with the answer limited to half a page). The matching terms will come from the list below. The quiz's essay question will be a modified version of one of the following. The strongest essays will include precise and pointed examples from the book to support your answer.
Matching Terms (30 pts): Ten terms from the following list will be selected and appear on the quiz. To ease the study process, I've included the page numbers where you can find the definition of the Japanese terms. Most of the personal names can be found on the "Family Tree" handout (below).
People, Places & Reigns Significant Terms (page #) Nakano Chūhachi VII bekke [别家] (41) Manzō dōzoku [同族] Yukiko kaigai yūhi [海外雄飛] (p.21) Mine ie [家] (40) Moriguchi Seizaburō honke [本家] (41) Nijō bunke [分家] (41) Meiji 明治 oku (43) Tokugawa Shogunate (徳川幕府) mise (43) Manchuria Setsubun (83) Korea "Dog Days" (156)
Essay Question (45 pts):
1. On the surface, Makiko's Diary reads as an unending stream of minute seemingly inconsequential details. But when read carefully, a great deal of information about late Meiji Japan can be discovered. From your perspective what factors about Japanese society, culture and life does the book compellingly present? As part of your answer you MUST use specific examples.
2. Makiko's Diary shows on a very intimate level both the changes in Japanese society but also the strong adherence to centuries old traditions. Selecting two specific examples discuss how Makiko and her husband's family sought to meld (or successfully juxtaposed) the old with the new.
3. One of the more exceptional elements of Makiko's Diary is the insight we gain into the lives of early 20th century Japanese women. Taking Makiko and the other women in her life as your examples describe what you feel were the THREE guiding forces in a Japanese woman's life in the turn-of-the-century Japan. These forces can be both tangible like the daily routine (e.g. 'housework') or more intangible like one's role as a wife, daughter, or mother.
4. American stereotypes suggest that Japanese women are submissive, unthinking, and have little influence on men. Do you believe that Makiko supports or contradicts such stereotypes. Your answer should be extremely specific and explicit. No vague generalizations will be accepted.
5. Using specific examples from the diary, describe Makiko's relationship with her mother-in-law.
6. How would you describe Makiko's life in 1910 (the year the diary was written)? What were her primary duties, interests and preoccupations?
Helpful Links:
1. Family Tree Handout
2. Time Line of Makiko's Life
