Origins and development of a “Pygmalion and Galatea” motif in writings of Tanizaki Jun’ichiro

The main goal of the article is to define the genesis of the motif constantly appearing in the writings of Tanizaki Jun’ichirō and referred to as “Pygmalion and Galatea” motif. Using the comparative and historical-biographical methods of literature studies it is possible to detect whether this motif has actual connection to “Pygmalion” myth and the works of O. Wilde and B. Shaw influenced by that myth. An influence of the classic Japanese literature’s motif reminiscent of “Pygmalion and Galatea” one was also observed in the writings of Tanizaki. The modification of the motif is attributed to the “Return to Japan” - period in life of the writer, when he was disenchanted by the results of westernization and modernization of Japan. The images of “rebellious Galatea” (“The Tattooer”, “Naomi”) was created when Tanizaki was deeply interested in Western literature. The archetype of “obedient Galatea” (“Some Prefer Nettles”) appeared when the writer turned his attention to Japanese tradition. The motif of “Pygmalion and Galatea” is used in Tanizaki’s writings continuously, transforms along with the writer’s cultural and literary preferences of the moment and helps to intensify the main conflicts in his works such as West and Japan, tradition and modernity, art and artist.