The World of “Eikyo” and “Gyujin” by Atushi Nakajima

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  • 中島敦「盈虚」 と「牛人」の世界
  • ナカジマアツシ エイキョ ト ウシ ジン ノ セカイ

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<p>　“Eikyo” and “Gyujin”， published in 1942， are both based on Chinese classics. “Eikyo” is the story of Prince Kaigai’s life including his exile. The protagonist Soko，who was compelled to realize the few remaining days of his life, does nothing but try to indulge in as many pleasures as possible before the dark prophecy of his future is fulfilled. －We can see the strong influence of Walter Pater’s estheticism in Soko’s way of life.</p><p>　On the other hand，in “Gyujin” which depicts the life of Minister Shykusou Hyō there is the influence of Kafka’s existentialism. His irrational death is probably the first one in Japanese literature. After all these two works by Nakajima may be regarded as unique in the history of Japanese literature.</p>

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