Essays and Research Papers on Asian Literature

A 5 page paper looking at the oppositions Amy Tan has drawn between western and eastern cultures in this evocative novel. The paper contends that it is necessary for the present to become integrated with the ancestral past, the world of the spirit with the world of the flesh, in order for a person to ...

A ten page paper looking at the relationship between the expatriated Chinese mothers and their aggressively assimilated American daughters in this 1989 novel. The paper shows how the four daughters learn to use their mother’s heritage as both a point of departure and a source of strength. Bibliography lists five sources; a free one-page sentence ...

A five-page paper looking at this hit play by David Henry Hwang, in the context of the questions it raises about cultural stereotypes and gender roles. The paper asserts that Gallimard’s evolution in the play is representative of the conflict between Western and Eastern philosophies. Bibliography lists three sources.

A five page paper looking at Pamela Kyle Crossley’s book “Orphan Warriors: Three Manchu Generations and the End of the Qing World” in terms of its sociological analysis of this ethnic minority in China. The paper shows the development of the culturally-distinctive Manchu minority group, and traces their fall from a position of conqueror to ...

A six page paper providing an overview of this nonfiction book by Jonathan Spence. The book tells the story of Hong Xiuquan, a lower-class Chinese who, believing himself to be the brother of Jesus Christ, led a nearly-successful peasant revolt in nineteenth-century China. No additional sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the character development of Shen Teh and the way in which the creation of the character Shui Ta can be viewed as a kind of 'split personality.' This paper outlines one of the central themes in Brecht's play. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page analysis of Masuji Ibuse's moving novel, 'Black Rain,' a narrative that recounts what it was like to be in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 when the atom bomb fell. Ibuse allows the reader to see the devastation of Hiroshima through the perceptions of more then one character. He also shows the interplay ...

A 5 page analysis of John Bester's translation of collection of the stories of Japanese author Kenji Miyazawa, "Once and Forever." The writer discusses the characteristics of these wonderful tales and discusses one, "Kenju's Wood," in detail. No additional sources cited.

This 11 page paper considers the way in which Andrew Lang adopts the role of storyteller in his interpretation of the tales of the Arabian Nights. There were, and still are, many contemporary issues in these tales, and in presenting them in the descriptive and captivating manner that Lang accomplishes we can see not only ...

5 pages in length. The United States population reflects a significant diversity of nationalities. Indeed, some of the inherent difficulties and challenges that face these immigrants are great, which are effectively demonstrated in Pyong Gap Min's book entitled "Struggle For Ethnic Identity : Narratives By Asian American Professionals." Gap Min's book points ...

A seven page paper which looks at the work of Haruki Murakami and Ueda Akinari, in particular TV People and Bewitched, and considers the way in which the themes of alienation and the influence of the supernatural on the real world are treated by the two writers. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

10 pages in length. The presence of cultural heritage in Chinese-American life is not as significant as it once was, with the overall incorporation not being of high priority to the younger generations. One may readily surmise that this unexpected and often unwelcome secularism has virtually everything to do with the manner in ...

This 5 page report discusses the major character’s of Lao She’s (pseudonym of Shu Ch'ing-ch'un) novel “Rickshaw.” His writing is known for its humorous and satirical approach and for its elegant use of the Peking dialect. His best-known work “Camel Xiangzi” was originally translated into English as “Rickshaw” and became a best -seller in America. The characters and events of ...

A 10 page paper which analyzes the work "Patriotism" by Mishima. The paper also discusses Mishima's speech, "Manifesto" as it applies. Bibliography lists 6 additional sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the Buddhist view of compassion, as interpreted by Tibet’s fourteenth Dalai Lama, and how it is the essential component in helping others. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page essay that summarizes Lan Cao's evocative novel of Vietnamese emigrants. Monkey Bridge tells the story of seventeen-year-old Mai Nyugen and her widowed mother, Thanh, who emigrated to the US from Vietnam. It relates what assimilation to American life has been like for both mother and daughter, as well as detailing the complicated ...

A 5 page essay that analyzes the Japanese author Kenzaburo Oe's novel A Personal Matter. This narrative revolves around the personal growth and development of the protagonist as a human being. The writer particularly focuses on the role played by the protagonist's girlfriend, Himiko. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page essay, in which the writer discusses how Tan explores the intricate bonds that exist between mothers and daughters. The novel concerns four aging members of the "Joy Luck Club," who gather regularly in San Francisco to play mah-jongg. By exploring the lives of these women, both past and present, and their relationships ...

A 5 page paper which analyzes relationships in "China Boy" by Gus Lee. The relationships discussed are those between Kai and Toussaint, and Kai and Edna. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which discusses the historical significance in Shiga Naoya's "Seibei's Gourds" and Junichiro Tanizaki 's "Some Prefer Nettles." No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which presents an interpretation and personal response to the novel "The Key" by Junichiro Tanizaki. No additional sources cited.

8 pages in length. The notion of cultural assimilation carries with it significant challenges for those who strive to adapt to an entirely new way of life. The manner by which issues are addressed in Asian-American media provides one with a significantly better understanding of just how difficult a time myriad Asians have ...

6 pages in length. The very process of living life and expanding one's existence has often been perceived as a rebirth of sorts, with writers taking the concept to an infinitely high level of appreciation. The Tale of Genji provides a look into Kyoto court, where emotional sensitivity, dignified behavior and exquisite taste ...

A nine page paper which looks at three stories from the Maoist period in China, in terms of the way that they use metaphorical narratives to criticise the flaws in the regime, such as the way in which women were treated within the community and the difficulties faced by those who tried to improve their ...

6 pages in length. Interpretive literature encompasses myriad existential elements that directly relate to character development; indeed, it is not merely a compilation of dates and events, but rather it is an exploration of humanity's spiritual side sometimes gone awry. Such is the case with J.G. Ballard's Empire of the Sun, inasmuch as ...