Author |
Hearn, Lafcadio, 1850-1904 |
Title |
Shadowings
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Note |
Reading ease score: 61.8 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
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Contents |
Stories from strange books: The reconciliation. A legend of Fugen-Bosatsu. The screen-maiden. The corpse-rider. The sympathy of Benten. The gratitude of the Samébito -- Japanese studies: Sémi. Japanese female names. Old Japanese songs -- Fantasies: Noctilucae. A mystery of crowds. Gothic horror. Levitation. Nightmare-touch. Readings from a dream-book. In a pair of eyes.
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Credits |
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Ernest Schaal, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
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Summary |
"Shadowings" by Lafcadio Hearn is a collection of short stories and essays written in the early 20th century. The work primarily explores Japanese culture, folklore, and spirituality, reflecting Hearn's deep fascination with the nation in which he lived and worked as a lecturer on English literature. Through a range of tales featuring themes like love, remorse, and the supernatural, the text invites readers into a world rich with traditional narratives and insights into the human condition within a cultural context. The opening of "Shadowings" begins with "The Reconciliation," a poignant narrative about a young Samurai from Kyōto who realizes the folly of divorcing his devoted first wife in pursuit of social advancement. Years later, haunted by memories of her gentle spirit and selfless love, he seeks her out only to find that she has passed away, consumed by grief after his betrayal. This story sets a tone of melancholy and reflection, showcasing the emotional weight of lost love and the nature of regret. Hearn’s lyrical prose draws readers into the Samurai's internal struggle, emphasizing the consequences of choices made under youthful arrogance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
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Subject |
Cicada (Genus)
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Subject |
Names, Personal -- Japanese
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Subject |
Japanese poetry -- Translations into English
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
34215 |
Release Date |
Nov 5, 2010 |
Most Recently Updated |
Jan 7, 2021 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
472 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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