Acknowledgments
During my graduate studies I became interested in the works of Tayama Katai and what prompted him to follow the course that led to the writing of Futon. I conceived right from the start the possibility of making Futon the subject of my study. After reaching the thesis stage of my graduate education I discussed with Dr. Yasuda of Indiana University the possibility of delving into Katai's background and particularly his epoch-making Futon as it relates to Gerhart Hauptmann's Einsame Menschen, from which play Katai conceived his theme for Futon. Dr. Yasuda approved and out of our many talks grew this paper.
Grateful acknowledgment is made to the members of my thesis committee. The Chairman Dr. Kenneth K. Yasuda willingly spent a lot of his valuable time going over and rearranging my formative ideas. My sincerest thanks are also due to Dr. Kenneth R. R. Gros Louis, a member of my committee, who was exceedingly kind and whose expert advice was very encouraging. I am also deeply obligated to Dr. Gerald B. Mathias, the other member of my committee, for the constructive way he kindly corrected the text of this thesis as well as the translation of Futon from the Japanese into English. Last, but not least, may I be permitted to express my appreciation to Dr. Toyoaki Uehara who, while not a member of the committee, took the time to furnish the writer with valuable help in the formation and final delivery of her thesis.
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