Yoshimoto Analysis

Yoshimoto first introduces the idea of the LGBT+ community in her novella on page 13, “-she’s a man.” (Yoshimoto 13). Yoshimoto appeals to her reader though situational irony which, in this quote, contrasts the reader’s and Mikage’s expectation of Eriko being a woman with the reality that she transitioned to a woman. This situational irony reveals to the reader that Eriko transitioned from male to female, with reasons that reveal later. Yoshimoto includes this to create a basis for the presence of the LGBT+ community in her novella, which demonstrates the non-conformity to Japanese culture. In Japanese culture, the LGBT+ community demonstrates a non-conformity to culture because it seems uncommon, due to the overwhelming majority that does not resonate in the community. Yoshimoto implements situational irony in order to create a foundation for conflict that will arise later, due to Eriko’s non-conformity to Japanese culture. Still on page 13, Yoshimoto details Mikage’s response, “I just stared at him in wide-eyed silence.” (Yoshimoto 13) Yoshimoto includes syntax with the phrase to demonstrate Mikage’s

For instance, Yoshimoto includes the quote “[…] Chika was undeniably a man in appearance.” (Yoshimoto 82) to display the conformity to culture, despite the acceptance of Chika by Mikage. This dysphemism reveals to the reader that Mikage still does not fully respect Chika, regardless of her friendship with her. Yoshimoto implements dysphemism in order to elaborate on the idea of conformity to Japanese culture, which can sometimes include mocking those who do not fit the traditional gender roles. Yoshimoto furthers this when Mikage and Yuichi joke “Even though she was a man!” (Yoshimoto 77) when remembering Eriko after her death. Although this seems lighthearted since they loved Eriko very much, this still reveals to the