Discussion of Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s Shirami : A Critique of the Politicians of Its Era

Mizuno Akiko

doi:10.18910/95215

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Other Title

芥川龍之介『虱』論 : 同時代の政治家への苦言
アクタガワ　リュウノスケ　シラミ　ロン　ドウジダイ　ノ　セイジカ　ヘノ　クゲン
アクタガワリュウノスケ『シラミ』ロン : ドウジダイノセイジカエノクゲン

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Abstract

This paper explores the possibility that Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s Shirami serves as an allegorical expression of his political viewpoints. The historical novel strategically excludes the appearance of the Hakki Maru warship from the Choshu Expedition, focusing on two Konpira ships instead. This deliberate omission serves to depict a scenario where one of the two factions experiences internal discord. Notably, the novel subtly references the First Constitutional Protection Movement that occurred three years before it was written, particularly alluding to the internal strife within the Constitutional National Party during that movement. The movement aimed to shift from domain-centric to party-based politics, yet the personal interests of politicians superseded the public’s welfare during this transformative period. By implying a resemblance between the characters Mori and Inoue, the novel vehemently critiques the politicians of its era. The analysis suggests that Akutagawa’s political perspectives may extend to his other historical novels.

Journal

日本語・日本文化

日本語・日本文化 51 87-103, 2024-03-10

The Center for Japanese Language and Culture, Osaka University

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