- 1
Why does Akutagawa continue to mention the servant’s pimple? What could this pimple symbolize?
Akutagawa mentions the servant’s festering pimple several times throughout the story. This pimple symbolizes the dilapidated state of society of Kyoto itself, which lies in ruins due to poverty and natural disasters. The pimple also represents the turmoil within the servant’s own psyche—his dilemma whether to starve to death or become a thief.
- 2
In what way does poverty pit the servant against the old woman? Who else could be considered the servant’s antagonist?
The servant views the old woman as his antagonist, stealing her clothes at the end of the story in order to...
Join Now to View Premium Content
GradeSaver provides access to 2360 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11007 literature essays, 2767 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.
