World Literature Arguments

Aphra Behn is the author of a play, Oroonoko , that takes place in both West Africa and the New World (Southern American Colonies).   Oroonoko is about an African Prince in love with a maiden, Imoinda.  Their love suffers great tragedies, but they are finally reunited as slaves on a plantation in the New World. Through her portrayal of the differences between Oroonoko and the common slaves, Behn propagates an idea of the upper class versus the lower class in this play, she furthers the argument that if one is born an aristocrat, then one must always remain an aristocrat. Behn first accounts the appearance of the natives of West Africa, as though they are but things to be marveled at, she describes them "with their long black Hair, and the Face painted in little Specks or Flowers here and there, makes 'em a wonderful Figure to behold." (BEHN 202).  She writes of their hunting and gathering like one might speak of the activities of a child, that they know where to get...

The Love Suicides at Amijima is a puppet play written by Chikamatsu, it is about two lovers that engage in a forbidden love affair which causes them to struggle with it's impact on their relationships.   In the beginning of the play, we find Jihei, a paper merchant, in love with a prostitute named Koharu that is under contract to the Kawachi House, a brothel.  Their love affair has been found out by Jihei's family and his business and social standing are at risk for it.  Even though they stand to lose so much after being found out, they are resistant to let their love subside, ultimately, they choose a lovers suicide.  Chikamatsu's purpose for writing this play was to underscore the importance of honor above all else, even life. Chikamatsu's plays centered around contemporary-life which was not particularly popular in literature at that time.  He focuses on a class that struggles with money and status, always looking to obtain an aristocratic one.  In Lo...