Honour and Duty

Student Notes

Why do you think that Lord Asano injured Lord Kira in the story of the 47 ronin?  

If you were in the same situation, what would you have done?

What would you not have done, that actually did take place?

Towards Harmonious Society

What social controls are in effect now?  

     Social controls are rules and customs that help to regulate our behaviour in society.  

     In the Japanese culture, Confucianism was very important in accepting the class distinctions.  

Group Responsibility and Shame

     Samurai organized classes of five families called goningumi.  Each person in the group was to help one another and were responsible for their actions and behaviour.  If one person was disobedient the group could be punished.  

13.3 First Contact with the West