Introduction
This essay explores the concept of “necessary” and “unnecessary” men in shaping the self-discovery of Satomi Hashima in Maha Harada’s short story “An Unnecessary Man” and Zari in Simin Daneshvar’s novel *Savushun*. Both narratives, rooted in distinct cultural contexts—Japanese and Iranian respectively—present women whose rites of passage are influenced by the men in their lives, from fathers and husbands to political figures. By examining themes such as familial bonds, marriage, and societal pressures, including foreign occupation and traditional roles, this analysis seeks to uncover how these male figures both enable and hinder the protagonists’ paths to identity. The discussion will consider the nuanced interplay of personal and political spheres, revealing how each woman navigates her journey from girlhood to womanhood, and in Zari’s case, motherhood.
Satomi’s Quiet Affinity with a Necessary Father
In Harada’s “An Unnecessary Man,” Satomi Hashima, at the age of fifty-two, reflects on her father as a gentle, necessary presence in her life. Unlike domineering male figures, her father’s influence is subtle, likened to the delicacy of tea water or cherry blossoms. This aesthetic and philosophical connection, arguably inspired by cultural ideals such as those in Okakura Kakuzo’s *The Book of Tea*, underscores a shared reverence for life’s ceremonious beauty (Okakura, 1906). Satomi’s unmarried life allows her a unique perspective on her father’s role, unmarred by the obligations of marriage or motherhood that often redefine women’s identities in traditional contexts. Her bond with her father, therefore, remains a pure, reflective space where she discovers a deeper understanding of herself through shared values. This relationship stands as necessary, not in a utilitarian sense, but as a quiet anchor for her emotional and cultural grounding.
Zari’s Struggle Against Unnecessary Male Dominance
Contrastingly, in Daneshvar’s *Savushun*, set in Shiraz during the 1940s, Zari’s journey to self-discovery is fraught with the interference of “unnecessary” men amid political turmoil and foreign occupation. Her husband Yusof, though loved, imposes a paternalistic protection that stifles her autonomy, reflecting broader societal constraints on Iranian women of the era (Milani, 1992). Additionally, figures like her brother-in-law, local politicians, and foreign occupiers—who justify their presence as necessary to prevent German influence in Iran—create a web of oppression tied to war, famine, and tribalism. Zari’s evolution from girlhood to womanhood and motherhood is disrupted by these external forces, leaving her initially confused about her role in a disoriented nation. However, her eventual break from these male influences signifies a critical turning point, where she reclaims agency and redefines her identity beyond the domestic sphere of kitchen and garden.
Contrasting Paths to Selfhood
While Satomi’s self-discovery is nurtured by a singular, necessary male figure—her father—Zari’s path necessitates a rejection of multiple unnecessary men who embody both personal and political oppression. Satomi’s unmarried state frees her from the burdens of married life, allowing introspection, whereas Zari’s roles as wife and mother bind her initially to traditional expectations before she seeks liberation. Furthermore, the cultural contexts differ significantly: Satomi’s Japanese heritage offers a contemplative lens through aesthetic harmony, while Zari’s Iranian setting is marked by conflict and external occupation, amplifying the stakes of her struggle (Milani, 1992). Indeed, both women’s journeys highlight how girlhood innocence transforms into womanhood’s complexity, shaped by the necessary or unnecessary presence of men.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Satomi and Zari illustrate distinct yet interconnected paths to self-discovery, mediated by the concept of “necessary” and “unnecessary” men. Satomi’s quiet bond with her father provides an essential foundation for her identity, reflecting cultural ideals of harmony. Conversely, Zari’s liberation emerges from rejecting the oppressive male influences that dominate her life amid political chaos. These narratives underscore the broader implications for women’s literature, revealing how personal growth is often entwined with societal and familial dynamics. Ultimately, examining such stories enriches our understanding of how women navigate their identities across diverse cultural landscapes, offering insights into the enduring impact of gender roles and historical contexts.
References
- Daneshvar, S. (1969) *Savushun: A Novel About Modern Iran*. Translated by M. R. Ghanoonparvar. Mage Publishers.
- Harada, M. (n.d.) *An Unnecessary Man*. [Publication details unavailable; specific edition or translator not accessible for citation at this time. For academic purposes, refer to the primary text as taught in the course or through verified library resources.]
- Milani, F. (1992) *Veils and Words: The Emerging Voices of Iranian Women Writers*. Syracuse University Press.
- Okakura, K. (1906) *The Book of Tea*. Putnam’s Sons.
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