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I failed to carry out the duties of the new women of the Meiji era of which you taught me. I'm, after all, an old-fashioned woman, and did not have the courage to put the new ideas into practice. I have talked this matter over with Tanaka, and we decided that we would not reveal, under any circumstances, our secret to any other person. We promised that we would, from now on, keep company only in a spiritual way since what had been done could not be undone. However, when I come to think that your anguish is my fault, my conscience makes me restless, and I have worried all day over this. Please, Sensei, have mercy on this pitiful woman.
I have no other choice but to rely on your mercy.
Respectfully yours,
Yoshiko[1]
Tokio's wife, however, does not show any noticeable change. As a matter of fact her attitude towards Yoshiko becomes more friendly after she hears that Yoshiko has a boyfriend, but her basic feeling of disgust for Yoshiko wanting to be a novelist remains unchanged. In Einsame Menschen, however, the developed character of Johannes' wife shows great changes from the initial stage to the conclusion of the play, as Käthe is not really a woman who upholds traditional ideas as does Mrs. Takenaka. In her heart, Käthe agrees with Anna's views that women live in a condition of degradation, but in reality her mother-in-law will not allow her to discuss the matter. In fact, Johannes' mother threatens that if Käthe wants to please her, she would be well advised not to meddle with these new ideas, as they will do nothing but confuse people and destroy their peace to mind. Käthe reluctantly obeys her mother-in-law.
In connection with the analysis of Käthe's character, I discovered striking similarities between Käthe and Tokio. Both are
- ↑ Katai, Futon, chap. ix, p. 79.
