How do you interpret “fear” as an analytical category for historical study? What are yokai and how does Foster’s explanation of Japanese “monsters” match or clash with your understanding of the world?

Medieval monsters

After these readings

1. How do you interpret “fear” as an analytical category for historical study?
2. What are yokai and how does Foster’s explanation of Japanese “monsters” match or clash with your understanding of the world?

Readings:

• Michael Foster, Introducing Yokai
• Fear and Anxiety: Writing about Emotion in Modern History Author(s): Joanna Bourke