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Bewitched written by Ueda Akinari follows a young man who is haunted by a demon disguised as a women. Upon analyzing this story, there are important points about the roles of each gender, the relationship between sexes, and the importance of meeting social expectations during this period in Japan.

A man must be strong, rugged, and hard-working. There is little need for education. For example, Taro is the eldest son of Oya no Takesuke and is a well-trained fishermen. He was taught to be a fishermen by his father who is constantly impressed by him. He even helps carry the family business. Taro wakes up at sunrises to supervise the fishermen of his family's business. Taro is introduced before to Toyo-o to show what a man should be. In contrast to his brother, Toyo-o who is what a man shouldn't be. He is an effeminate individual who prefers to study rather than spend his time on his families trade. The education he sought was worthless in the eyes of his father. Oya no Takesuke considered Toyo-o nothing but a hindrance, and would have given his horrible son to another family, had he not been so ashamed of what the family might think of him because of his son. Oya no Takesuke also believes he is “shiftless and irresponsible” even irresponsible with money. So, like all good fathers, Oya no Takesuke allows him to be whatever he pleases, as long as it only burdens Taro. Toyo-o is many times referred to as youthful and good-looking. It is his good looks that catch the eye of the beautiful Manago, who is actually a demon with otherworldly powers, and his effeminate quality, and lack of discipline is what makes him weak to Manago's charm.

During this time period, equality of men and women was unheard of. Women had their own social role...

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...y never mention any grieving for her. However, Toyo-o “suffers no ill effect” and lives a healthy long life. Tomiko was punished even though Toyo-o demonstrates weakness throughout the entire story. He learned of Manago's supernatural nature, but still has a relationship with her. Just by being a man, he somehow escapes any ill effects from the event. While an innocent girl just dies despite having no involvement of her own will.

In conclusion, by analyzing Bewitched we can learn much about the treatment of women, and what is expected from each gender. That a for a man to be a man they should never give into a women regardless of their beauty. A man who is not a hard worker and masculine is worthless. Women who go against what they should be are punished. The moral of the story is that to be happy and live a meaningful life people must conform to their society.