Barrelmaker

When i read the wonderful story there are things in this story that being a person going into teaching history that i see that most people do not see or know about the Japanese culture. I see a love story trenched in the traditions of a proud people who pride themselves on honorable life. Osen is describe as a beautiful and intelligent woman who's parents had to send her off to work so they could pay there taxes. She becomes a valuable asset to the master and mistress she is working for. The local barrelmaker falls in love with her from affair. This is so prominent of the culture of japan most do not get the chance to fall in love and marry who they want but in a rare chance this couple dose. i think the author dose a wonderful job of showing how they the nanny use belief in helping the barrelmaker land his love with the family she worked for. Saikaku shows this belief or supertion when he writes "About the same time a series of further misfortunes overtook the household. The great cauldron rusted so that its bottom fell out ; there was a sudden change between breakfast and supper in the taste of the prepared bean-paste; and lightning struck the roof of the storehouse," (Saikaku). There are other talk of the beliefs and traditions of the people at this time. When Saikaku tells of Osen attempted affair and what happens he tells us "Osen, realizing that it was a hopeless situation for her plunged the blade of a carpenter's plane into her hart and died." he is showing how she has dishonored her husband and she by killing herself this way was to die dishonorable to herself so she would not have to go through a trial and be executed. as in most of the old stories this is based upon a true story. though some parts are made up it is drenched in truth and rituals from the time.