2.Campbell, Kazue Edamatsu. "The Language of the Pleasure Quarter." The Women of the Pleasure Quarter: Japanese Paintings and Prints of the Floating World. Ed. Elizabeth de Sanato Swinton. New York: Hudson Hills Press and the Worcerster Art Museum, 1996.

Kazue Edamatsu Campbell's essay "The Language of the Pleasure Quarter" discussed the way in which Japanese has been effected by the style of speech used among courtesans and their clients. The final segment of Campbell's essay gave a more unusual look at the courtesan's life. By studying poems and letters Campbell provides the reader with evidence of how courtesans viewed their jobs and their society. "The Language of the Pleasure Quarter" also helps the reader understand exactly what type of relationship would exist between a courtesan and her client. Although Campbell's essay can be found in a compilation of writings about courtesans I believe that it was written more as a study of the Japanese language then the Japanese culture. Campbell is the coordinator of the Japanese-language program at Boston University. This essay was probably meant for readers that speak Japanese, although others can appreciate it.

I found Campbell's essay hard to read, having no real knowledge of the Japanese language it was difficult for me to grasp much of her evidence. However, even though language is the focus of Campbell's essay her writing also painted a picture of what life was like in Japan. Courtesans served as inspiration for many Japanese prints and seemed to play a huge role in Japanese society. For this reason I did find some of the information in this essay helpful. The letters and poems written by courtesans were especially interesting considering that almost all that I have seen of the courtesan's way of life has been second hand depictions of it.

Kelly Brant