Answer:
The use of realism in Higuchi Ichiyō's writing is surprising for several reasons. Firstly, during the Meiji era in Japan, when Ichiyō was writing, the dominant literary style was romanticism, which emphasized imagination, emotions, and idealized portrayals. However, Ichiyō chose to deviate from this trend and instead adopted a realistic approach in her works.
Secondly, Ichiyō's use of realism was especially remarkable considering her personal circumstances. She was a woman living in a patriarchal society, where women's voices were often suppressed. Despite these challenges, she fearlessly depicted the harsh realities of life for women and the lower social classes, such as poverty, prostitution, and societal constraints.
One example of Ichiyō's realism is her renowned work "Takekurabe" (Child's Play). In this story, she portrays the struggles and aspirations of young girls growing up in the Yoshiwara district, a red-light district in Tokyo. Through her vivid descriptions and attention to detail, Ichiyō offers a poignant and unflinching portrayal of the hardships faced by these young girls, shedding light on their limited options and the harsh realities they were forced to endure.
In conclusion, what is surprising about Higuchi Ichiyō's use of realism in her writing is the fact that she dared to deviate from the prevailing literary style of her time and tackle difficult and taboo subjects. Her realistic portrayals of societal issues, especially those affecting women and the lower classes, demonstrate her courage and unique perspective as a writer.
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