DISCUSSION QUESTIONS WEEK 9a:

1. Compare onnagata with otokoyaku. How "realistic" are their respective representations of femininity and masculinity?

2. To what extent do onnagata and otokoyaku reinforce the dominant gender stereotypes of their time (Bernstein's essay will help answer this)? To what extent do they subvert them?

3. We have heard several times that onnagata are more capable of portraying ideal femininity than real women are. Do you think those same commentators would say that otokoyaku are better able to portray ideal men? Why or why not?