“A Pale View Of Hills” Analysis

A Pale View of Hills was set in Japan in the post-war period after WWII. A Pale View of Hills is set in post-war Japan, after the defeat of the country during WWII. This is the time when A Pale View of Hills occurs. This change in Japanese society is reflected by the characters of both conservatives and liberals. This book focuses a lot on the oppression women face in traditional Japanese culture. This essay examines the representation of woman in the novel. It will pay particular attention to patriarchal Japanese culture and societal expectations of women. The novel A Pale View of Hills suggests Japan was once dominated by a patriarchal culture and emphasizes the subservient position of women. Etsuko’s relationship with Jiro, which is a husband-wife partnership in Japan, can show this. The strong adherence of traditional values, as well as a sense of duty and responsibility is evident. Jiro tells Etsuko that she should “get some coffee for the gentlemen”, when “she” was on her way into the kitchen. This line illustrates the roles and duties assigned to women by society. In addition, Jiro continued to interact with his coworkers. One of the coworkers mentioned that, upon learning his wife had decided to vote another political party for, he was angry and had expected her not to do so. He says “My wife votes Yoshida because he is her uncle.” It’s normal for women to behave like this. They don’t know politics. They believe they can select the leaders of the country in the same manner as they select dresses.” He also refused to deny that he had threatened her with a seven iron. This statement highlights the misogynistic nature of Japanese society. It may also reflect its attitudes toward women. Jiro, Ogata-San and others agreed that it was a sad situation when husband and wife voted for different parties. This suggests that Etsuko should mirror Jiro in public. This is a similar representation to that of Japanese women before the end of World War II. The window symbolizes entrapment. Although she can see what’s outside, her view is limited. Etsuko may have been yearning to be free. It is also possible that her desire for something more, or freedom, may not exist. This image represents the oppressive, patriarchal ideals that are prevalent in Japanese society. It also shows how women’s rights are limited.

Japanese society’s patriarchal attitude is only one way to represent women. The other is through the expectations women have in their culture. These expectations are similar to those discussed in relation with patriarchal value, such as obedience and subservience. In A Pale View Of Hills, it is suggested that a woman’s identity comes from her family. Up until the end, women in Japan were expected by society to have the qualities of a “Ryosai” Kenbo, a wise mother and a good spouse. This universal theme is motherhood in the form and expectations of Japanese culture.

Etsuko & Sachiko’s story is almost obsessed by motherhood. Sachiko’s and Mariko’s relationship shows the importance of motherhood. Etsuko narrates how Sachiko leaves Mariko home alone and does not send Mariko to “study at school” on several occasions. Sachiko, who is constantly stating “My daughter’s happiness is the most important thing to me”, embodies this universal concept of a “good mom” in Japan post-war. This statement, repeated in the book, reveals Sachiko’s internal concern that she’s not capable of raising children. Etsuko says, “in those years, even small things would cause me to have doubts about motherhood.” This is a reference to her fear of motherhood in the future, largely because of the expectations that society places on her.

At the time. Sachiko is a parallel to Etsuko in her mothering abilities, and this contributes to the plot. Etsuko admitted to several occasions that, despite knowing “Keiko would not be satisfied”, she sent her to England. Keiko had felt alienated after the change in cultures. She then retreated into her “fanatically secured” room in England, where she could be alone. Keiko eventually committed suicide because she was unable adapt and assimilate. Etsuko, who is still trying to justify her behavior by claiming “I vehemently resisted her (Keiko),” insists that the family move to England from Japan. Etsuko describes Mariko’s initial fear of moving to America. Keiko shares this same reluctance, despite Etsuko’s assurances that things would be okay. Etsuko, like Sachiko, wished that their daughter would have the freedom to choose her own life. This was something which was not available in Japan. With these expectations from society, Etsuko and Sachiko decided to move to another country where they could have more opportunities. Keiko’s death shows how this decision backfired. The societal expectations on women are so high that they can’t even accept the tragedy of their daughter and continue hiding their emotions. Etsuko displays guilt and represses Keiko’s memory by saying, “it was a long time ago”. These societal expectations are what allow one to understand the characters’ anxiety in trying to meet the motherhood expectations.

A Paleview of Hills is a perfect backdrop for portraying women’s representation in Japan before the war. The patriarchal culture of Japan, as well as societal expectations including motherhood and a lack of freedom for women post-war have all been used to illustrate the state psychologically.