Merchant class

Definition

The merchant class refers to a social group engaged in trade, commerce, and the sale of goods, particularly prominent in urban settings during the early modern period in Japan. This group played a vital role in the economy, influencing culture and society by facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. As a result, they significantly impacted literary themes, especially in works reflecting urban life and the floating world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The merchant class emerged as a powerful economic force during the Edo period (1603-1868), changing Japan's social hierarchy by increasing their wealth and influence.
2. This class was often portrayed in literature and art, particularly in works that reflected the vibrant urban culture and lifestyles of the time.
3. Saikaku's writings frequently focused on the merchant class, exploring their experiences, desires, and moral dilemmas within the context of urban life.
4. The merchant class contributed to the development of new cultural forms such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and kabuki theater, which catered to their interests and tastes.
5. Despite their economic power, the merchant class often faced social stigma from the samurai class, who viewed them as inferior due to their lack of martial skills.

Review Questions

• How did the rise of the merchant class during the Edo period influence themes in Saikaku's works?
  • The rise of the merchant class brought new perspectives on wealth, pleasure, and urban life that are central themes in Saikaku's literature. His works often reflect the experiences of merchants as they navigate societal expectations and personal desires. This shift allowed for a richer exploration of individualism and morality within a society where traditional samurai values were challenged by emerging commercial interests.
• Discuss how urban life represented in literature during this period reflects the cultural identity of the merchant class.
  • Literature from this time frequently depicts urban life as vibrant and complex, highlighting the cultural identity of the merchant class. The focus on pleasure-seeking activities and entertainment illustrates how merchants navigated their social standings while contributing to a dynamic cultural scene. Works like those of Saikaku emphasize not only the economic power of merchants but also their role as cultural patrons and influencers in developing popular art forms such as ukiyo-e and kabuki.
• Evaluate the significance of the merchant class in shaping both literature and societal values during Japan's early modern period.
  • The merchant class played a crucial role in shaping both literature and societal values during Japan's early modern period by challenging existing norms and introducing new themes centered around commerce and pleasure. Their wealth allowed them to become patrons of culture, leading to a flourishing of arts that reflected their lifestyles. This cultural shift not only influenced literary narratives but also encouraged broader societal changes that blurred the lines between social classes and ultimately paved the way for modernity in Japan.

Related terms

Ukiyo: Ukiyo, or 'the floating world,' is a term used to describe the urban lifestyle in Edo-period Japan, characterized by a focus on pleasure and entertainment, particularly in cities like Edo (Tokyo).

Chōnin: Chōnin refers to the urban merchant class in Edo-period Japan, often seen as distinct from the samurai class, and known for their economic influence and cultural contributions.

Kabuki: Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater form that emerged in the early 17th century, often appealing to the merchant class with its themes of love, betrayal, and the dynamics of urban life.