Makioka Sisters & Pedro Paramo

Though the two books, The Makioka Sisters and Pedro Paramo appear to be a part of two entirely separate worlds, some connections can be seen throughout the works. Junichiro Tanizaki uses The Makioka Sisters to tell the tale of four beautiful sisters who’s lives are encompassed by a world of tradition and propriety.   While at the same time Juan Rulfo’s Pedro Paramo is exploring these same ideas of obligation and in the best term, formalities.   This is the key to these two works, formalities.   Each culture and time is experiencing pressures and obligations due to the characters’ belief in observing formalities and traditions.  


Both books open to a dilemma that plagues the characters and can be tied back to the observation of formalities.   The Makioka family is desperately seeking a husband for the third sister, Yukiko.   Sachiko explains “In…hopes of finding Yukiko a worthy husband, they had refused the proposals that in earlier years had showered upon them.   Not one seemed quite what they wanted” (9).   This prestigious Osaka family presumes that they must adhere to every formality to its highest degree in order to uphold their reputation and honor.   A suitor has yet to meet what they believe must be their standards.   The head of the family, Tatsuo has been displeased with the men that have sought Yukiko’s hand, he believes that the “old and once-important family” cannot afford to take in a man who might humble or disgrace “the dignity of the Makioka name” (8).   The family is weaving itself into a web of pain and humiliation through their insistence to comply with the precedence of exalting and sheltering the Makioka name at any cost, even that of love and happiness.   Juan Preciado is also being thrust into a dilemma when he makes attempts to follow through with empty civilities.  


Rulfo opens this story with Preciado traveling to the small, desolate village of Comala.   After the death of Preciado’s mother, he decides to uphold the promise he made...