Beyond Nation: Time, Writing, and Community in the Work of Abe Kōbō

Synopsis

In The Works Of Abe Kobo (1924-93), Characters Are Alienated From Themselves And One Another. Through A Series Of Close Readings, Richard Calichman Reveals Abe's Message That Time And Writing Destabilize Identity But Forming Communities (and Nations) Won't Recapture A Persons Sense Of Wholeness, Despite Government Declarations To The Contrary. Calichman Argues That Abe's Attack On The Concept Of National Affiliation Has Been Neglected Through His Inscription As A Writer Of Japanese Literature. At The Same Time, The Institution Of Japan Studies Works To Tighten The Bond Between Nation-state And Individual Subject. Beyond Nation Thus Analyzes The Elements Of Orientalism, Culturalism, And Racism That Often Underlie The Appeal To Collective Japanese Identity. Markings In The Sand : On Suna No Onna -- The Time Of Disturbance : On Uchinaru Henkyo -- The Lure Of Community In Tanin No Kao -- Interventions : Of Abe Kobo. Richard F. Calichman. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.