Beyond Nation : Time, Writing, and Community in the Work of Abe Kōbō

In the work of writer Abe Kōbō (1924–1993), characters are alienated both from themselves and from one another. Through close readings of Abe's work, Richard Calichman reveals how time and writing have the ability to unground identity. Over time, attempts to create unity of self cause alienation, despite government attempts to convince people to form communities (and nations) to recapture a sense of wholeness. Art, then, must resist the nation-state and expose its false ideologies. Calichman argues that Abe's attack on the concept of national affiliation has been neglected through his inscription as a writer of Japanese literature. At the same time, the institution of Japan Studies works to tighten the bond between nation-state and individual subject. Through Abe's essays and short stories, he shows how the formation of community is constantly displaced by the notions of time and writing. Beyond Nation thus analyzes the elements of Orientalism, culturalism, and racism that often underlie the appeal to collective Japanese identity. In The Works Of Abe Kobo (1924-93), Characters Are Alienated From Themselves And One Another. Through A Series Of Close Readings, Richard Calichman Reveals Abe's Message That Time And Writing Destabilize Identity But Forming Communities (and Nations) Won't Recapture A Persons Sense Of Wholeness, Despite Government Declarations To The Contrary. Calichman Argues That Abe's Attack On The Concept Of National Affiliation Has Been Neglected Through His Inscription As A Writer Of Japanese Literature. At The Same Time, The Institution Of Japan Studies Works To Tighten The Bond Between Nation-state And Individual Subject. Beyond Nation Thus Analyzes The Elements Of Orientalism, Culturalism, And Racism That Often Underlie The Appeal To Collective Japanese Identity. Markings In The Sand : On Suna No Onna -- The Time Of Disturbance : On Uchinaru Henkyo -- The Lure Of Community In Tanin No Kao -- Interventions : Of Abe Kobo. Richard F. Calichman. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.