Hōrai by Lafcadio Hearn (1898)
The story revolves around a young Japanese woman who is forced into prostitution and her subsequent struggles with the societal norms and expectations placed upon her. The narrative explores themes of oppression, exploitation, and the objectification of women in a patriarchal society. Through the protagonist's experiences, the text critiques the rigid social hierarchies and moral codes that govern traditional Japanese culture.
By Lafcadio Hearn · First published 1898 · Genre: Fantasy, Philosophical, Mythology · 1,224 words
First lines
Blue vision of depth lost in height,-sea and sky interblending through luminous haze. The day is of spring, and the hour morning.
What this Textopian page supports
Hōrai is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lafcadio Hearn, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lafcadio Hearn
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Philosophical, Mythology, Literary Fiction, Symbolism
- Length: 1,224 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Hōrai by Lafcadio Hearn
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Hōrai?
- How does this short story by Lafcadio Hearn fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Tale Of The Porcelain God by Lafcadio Hearn
- Jiu Roku Zakura by Lafcadio Hearn
- The Story Of Ming Y by Lafcadio Hearn
- Of A Mirror And A Bell by Lafcadio Hearn
- The Dream Of Akinosuke by Lafcadio Hearn
- Hi Mawari by Lafcadio Hearn
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative explores an idealized, mythical realm with magical elements and enchanted beings.
- Philosophical — Themes of existence, the nature of reality, and the human condition are deeply examined through the lens of an ideal world.
- Mythology — The work draws heavily on legends and folklore, particularly from Chinese and Japanese traditions.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and descriptive, focusing on aesthetic and emotional depth.
Tags
Japanese Folklore · Mythology · Folk Tales · Cultural Studies · Anthropology · Asian Literature · Short Stories · Literary Fiction · Historical Fiction · Travel Writing · Memoir · Autobiography