Bewilderment

Itsuko once defied her parents rather than accept a marriage that would end her hopes of education and freedom. Love seemed to open another path. Now, with a child at her breast and household needs pressing upon her, she struggles to understand where that path has led.

Her husband Tani has left his employment and cannot decide what to do next. His mother needs money for a visit, and the task of finding it falls once more to Itsuko. A sympathetic friend offers help, but every appeal deepens her shame. Domestic arguments turn into a searching examination of dependence, convention, and the price of independence.

Published in 1918, Itō Noe’s story moves between sharp household dialogue and the intricate movements of a woman’s thought. Itsuko’s resolve grows, falters, and returns as ordinary tasks continue around her. This complete translation preserves all nine sections and the original conclusion, with brief notes on names and period references. It offers an intimate view of the pressures surrounding a young woman’s attempt to claim a life of her own. AI-assisted translation.