일본 전후문학과 노년의 젠더

Abstract

The study considered the appearance of old age in the postwar literature of Japan from the point of view of a gender. The mental and physical decline of old age that the main characters encounters reflects the modern perception of this period as degeneration and death, neglecting the intrinsic value to pursue in the lifetime of old age. In a society that gives youth more value than old, the fear of death inevitably grows, and this fear turns out to be a desire for youth. Sexuality as shown by an old man, demonstrates the limitations of modern literature written by male authors in that it strengthens the principles of women as the source of life. However, it can be judged that the fact that no one could avoid the fate of old age and tried to use it as a reverse in order to enjoy an old age is a step forward of modern perception about old age. Women are also declared to be old from the other as a result of their release from the role of gender and an end to love, confirming that their age is inextricably linked to man’s perceptions. The literary revival of old age shows one side of a modern society that depends on the gender order to produce exclusion and prejudice, while women outside the home show their independence by breaking away from the patriarchal order by preparing for stable retirement.