Shizuko, the mother in Mori's Shizuko's Daughter, suffered from depression. Write a research paper on the topic of depression. What are some contemporary causes of depression, and what are the medical and therapeutic treatments for this disease? Also look into the social implications of depression. Are there any taboos on the discussion of this disease? What are the personal ramifications of depression in terms of its affect on family members?

Suicide is a topic that has been covered in many different literary works. Find at least two poems or one other novel or short story that deals with this topic and compare them to Shizuko's Daughter. Suggestions include some of Sylvia Plath's poems, Susanna Kaysen's book, Girl Interrupted, and William Styron's memoir, Darkness Visible.

Research the traditional role of Japanese women. Has that role changed since World War II? How has Western...