附註:Includes bibliographical references (pages 299-313) and index.
Fictions and fabrications -- Language and the illusion of presence -- Shishosetsu criticism and the myth of sincerity -- Harbingers (I): Tokoku, Doppo, Hogetsu -- Harbingers (II): Katai, Homei -- The Bundan: Readers, writers, critics -- Chikamatsu Shuko: the hero as fool -- Shiga Naoya: the hero as sage -- Kasai Zenzo: the hero as victim -- Epilogue: the Shisshosetsu.