Child's Play Analysis

Child’s Play, written by Higuchi Ichiyo, is a short novel centred around the growth of children, particularly those associated with the pleasure quarters. The story takes place over a few days, nevertheless, we are given an idea on the backgrounds of the three main characters, Shōta, Midori, and Nobu, and watch them gradually lose their childlike innocence. Although not explicitly stated, the last three paragraphs suggest that all three protagonists have followed the footsteps of their parents and in Midori’s case, her older sister. This essay discusses the impending tragic future of children who are destined to take after the occupations of their family.
Firstly, Shōta will likely to succeed his family’s business and become a pawnbroker.

Although she used to be a spitfire and applies the “special language of the quarter” without feeling abashed (271), she is “timid now, and everything embarrassed her” (287). This is likely because she has fully understood that the “special language" is actually used to attract male patrons. Additionally, her change in attitude is reflected in her attraction to the paper narcissus. Midori thinks that the white flower, a probable representation of purity and innocence, is “perfect and yet almost sad in its crisp, solitary shape” (287). This is parallel to how she had been before – pure, innocent and perfect – and now – brittle and lonely. Regardless of her feelings, Midori is obliged to obey the

Although it is not stated clearly, the texts have many evidences that point towards their fate. Moreover, with the change from a third-person narration to a bystander-style narration, it further highlights the inescapability of their situation and hence, amplifies the tragedy and arouses the reader’s pity for the characters. In short, the texts illuminate the lack of social movement, where children are doomed to follow the footsteps of their family, a tragic but unavoidable