Short Fiction · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Short Fiction by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke.

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Chapter 1
Short Fiction
This chapter presents a collection of Akutagawa Ryūnosuke's short stories, exploring themes of moral ambiguity, self-identity, and the clash between illusion and reality. The stories range from historical tales like 'Rashōmon' and 'The Nose' to modern narratives such as 'The Handkerchief' and 'The Wine Worm,' each delving into the complexities of human nature and societal hypocrisy.
Chapter 2
Rashōmon
A jobless lackey takes shelter under the Rashōmon gate in decaying Kyoto, contemplating whether to starve or turn thief. He discovers an old hag pulling hair from corpses to make wigs, and after initially condemning her, he is swayed by her justification of survival, ultimately robbing her and embracing a life of crime.
Chapter 3
Tobacco and the Devil
The Devil arrives in Japan with tobacco seeds hidden in his ear, intending to tempt the Japanese. He borrows a field and cultivates the plants, but when a cattle dealer asks what they are, the Devil proposes a wager: if the dealer guesses the name, he gets the plants; if not, the Devil takes his body and soul. The cattle dealer, after three days of desperate thought, tricks the Devil by driving his cow into the field, causing the Devil to shout the name 'tobacco' in anger. The dealer guesses correctly and wins the plants, but the Devil succeeds in spreading tobacco throughout Japan, suggesting that even apparent victories over temptation may lead to unforeseen consequences.
Chapter 4
The Nose
Zenchi Naigu, a Buddhist priest with an unusually long nose, suffers from deep self-consciousness and wounded pride. He tries various methods to shorten it, eventually succeeding with a disciple's help. However, his relief is short-lived as he finds that others now laugh at him even more, revealing the contradictory nature of human sympathy and egoism. In the end, his nose returns to its original length overnight, and he feels a sense of relief, believing that no one will laugh at him now.
Chapter 5
The Handkerchief
Professor Hasegawa, a law professor at the Imperial University, reads Strindberg's Dramaturgy on his veranda, reflecting on Japanese civilization and Bushidō. He receives a visit from a mother, Nishiyama Atsuko, who recounts her son's death with a composed smile, but the professor notices her trembling hands and the handkerchief she nearly tears. He later praises her as an example of Bushidō, but after reading Strindberg's critique of theatrical gestures, he questions the sincerity of such mannerisms.

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Short Fiction

Rashōmon

Tobacco and the Devil

The Nose

The Handkerchief