Reference
Andrea Marterella
10th Grade, World Literature
9th through 12th, Journalism
Pine Grove Area High School
After reading the Foreword I must admit, I was a little apprehensive about reading In Praise of Shadows. I was worried about the language and, honestly, the content. Then, (against English Teacher better judgment) I decided to read the Afterword. Thinking, “Maybe this will give me a better idea, before I dive into the unknown.” Sure enough it did. I was more excited to read the essay, after reading the Afterword… go figure!
I found the essay to be interesting and honestly an enjoyable read. I did keep on making notes in the margins and making “Western” connections to Tanizaki’s writing. I reveled in the fact that the author discussed toilets as “a place of unsurpassed elegance…” I never thought about a toilet in that manner before, but I guess one could consider it a “work of art.” But at the same time, with the same quote I thought of government buildings as well at the beginning of the sentence Tanizaki states, “transformed by rights should be the most unsanitary room in the house into a place of unsurpassed elegance…” I thought about that a little more. Our government buildings are absolutely beautiful, (well, most) and yet some contain absolutely filthy politicians. Yes, I realize that this is not collegiate level philosophical thought; however, a connection was seen.
I also enjoyed how Tanizaki interpreted western construction and made it true to his culture and his view of nature. It made me think of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. Pretty interesting, “stuff.” I just completely enjoyed this piece from beginning to end!
I feel that this piece, especially with the metaphorical meaning, should be discussed in a high school classroom. Although, I’m sure excerpts of the piece (depending on maturity and intellectual level) would be appropriate for middle school age students as well.
I believe that I would use this piece while teaching metaphorical meaning vs. literal meaning, stream of consciousness and at then end of the year during the Philosophy Unit. I’m thinking a comparison/contrast paper with European philosophical ideas. I believe, first and foremost, that this piece will grab the student’s attention especially when the discussion of toilets comes up in the piece.
