Ogai Mori, one of Japan's most respected writers, is the author of the novel “The Wild Geese”. One of the main characteristics of Mori's work is his examination of problems that arise in people's lives, particularly when their desires conflict with the demands of society. In the 19th century, Japanese society dictated that women did not exist legally and were only seen as those responsible for caring for the household and children. Throughout the story, the author depicts the life of one character, Otama, as a woman in the Meiji era, who has little freedom to make choices regarding her personal lifestyle. Additionally, male characters such as Okada and Suezo are used to identify the different perspectives men might have towards female roles. The novel therefore reflects a realistic romanticism of Japanese society in the late 1800s, describing through symbolic figures and main female characters the difficulties of living at that time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The main way Ogai Mori manages to convey his message is through the male character of Suezo and his involvement with women. This sexist character decides to follow society's influences and objectify women, particularly in the way he interacts and communicates with his obedient and tender new mistress, Otama. At the start of their frowned upon relationship, he immediately deduced that he could win over this young girl, knowing that with his wealth he would be able to convince Otama's father to accept his daughter's new role. Additionally, Suezo decides to buy a house where he could escape reality and develop his secret relationship with Otama. Judging by this, the mistress felt as if she was obliged to stay inside the house, where her duty was to wait for Suezo calmly and respectfully all day, knowing that she no longer had the freedom to do what she wanted. Besides Otama, Suezo had a very peculiar and complicated relationship with his wife Otsune, a woman who received less respect and rights than Otama. She was constantly judged and described as useless and stupid, when in reality, Otsune had an incredible ability to uncover the truth that her "faithful" husband was hiding. To illustrate his struggle, the book's peripheral narrator describes in a very disgusting and unappealing style the way Suezo judged his partner during natural processes such as breastfeeding: "His wife, who... her breast exposed." (Mori, 1959, p. 26). In this section of the book, Mori uses extremely detailed imagery to demonstrate Suezo's perception of Otsune, as an unworthy human being whose sole purpose of existence is to nurture and care for children. Additionally, the author creates some interesting symbolism, where the young baby attached to Otsune's breast represents stagnation towards her work, where her hungry responsibility pulls her towards the role she must fulfill. Besides Suezo, the main character Otama embodies the orthodox role of women in the 1800s in a unique and empowering way. First of all, she understands very well that she is being mistreated for no reason, but she traditionally continues to be bound and limited in her freedom by the duty that she must respect. Otama accedes to Suezo's wishes out of devoted loyalty to the rules of society, in an effort to please his father economically and morally. Even though Otama seems to be loyal and faithful to the regime imposed at the time, she manages to question stereotypically feminine lifestyles, which is.