- Stories about children on the fringe of society
-abnormal amount of education for the time period (westernized education)
Setting Red Light District, outskirts of Tokyo
"The name may sound a little saintly, but those who live in the area will tell you it's a lively place"
Town is full of prostitutes and poverty.
Otori Days - fairs held at various shrinesTanka Poems japanese poetry that focuses on nature and seasons
Characters
Midori - main girl, pretty young lady lives an extravagant lifestyle
Nobu - priest's son; eventually sent to a seminary, likes Midori but involved with Chokichi
"Odd, how her one gesture moved him, and yet he could not bring himself to reach out and take the cloth. He stared at it vacantly, and as he looked at it he felt his heart break"
Midori brings Nobu a cloth to fix his broken sandal.
Chokichi - chief's sonShota - little boy who likes Midori
Omaki - Midori's sister, a prostitute
Themes
1. Coming of Age
"Growing up, she plays among the butterflies and flowers. But she turns sixteen, and all she knows is work and sorrow."
2. Naivety
"What do you mean? That'd be wonderful! Next year I'm going to open a shop, and after I save some money I'll buy her for a night!" -Nobu referring to Midori becoming a prostitute
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