New Books in East Asian Studies
Christopher Smith, "Samurai with Telephones: Anachronism in Japanese Literature" (U Michigan Press, 2024)
Oct 18, 2024
Christopher Smith, author of "Samurai with Telephones," delves into the fascinating use of anachronism in Japanese literature. He explores how samurai can make phone calls in graphic novels and ancient aristocrats can teach in modern classrooms. Smith breaks down two types of anachronisms: those that rewrite history and those that disrupt it. He examines works from various genres, including literature, manga, and Kabuki plays, revealing how these creative choices illuminate and challenge historical narratives across different eras.
42:02
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Quick takeaways
- Japanese literature employs anachronisms to challenge historical narratives, allowing for new interpretations and playful contrasts between eras.
- Monologic and dialogic anachronisms serve distinct functions in representing history, fostering dialogues that critique contemporary societal issues through historical contexts.
Deep dives
Exploring Anachronism in Literature
The discussion centers around how Japanese authors utilize anachronism to interact with historical narratives. This technique allows writers to create engaging contrasts between past and present, thereby opening up new interpretations of history. For instance, the conversation highlights how anachronisms can be playful, such as depicting a historical figure like Yoshitsune using a telephone, which juxtaposes contemporary technology with historical settings. This playful approach serves to undermine conventional representations of history and evokes a dialogue that invites readers to reconsider established narratives.
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