Rashomon

Rashomon is a short story written by Ryunosuke Akutagawa that was first published in 1915. The plot revolves around a woodcutter, a priest, and a commoner as they discuss a recent incident in which a samurai was killed and his wife was raped. The story is notable for its distinct narrative structure, which includes multiple perspectives and contradictory accounts of the same events. The woodcutter, the priest, and the commoner each tell their side of the story, and the reader is left to piece together the truth from these disparate viewpoints.

Rashomon is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern Japanese literature and has been adapted into a number of other forms, including a film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The plot delves into issues such as the nature of truth, the dependability of human perception, and the complexities of human morality. The title "Rashomon" alludes to the same-named gate in Kyoto, which was said to be haunted by ghosts of the dead. The story has become a cultural touchstone in Japan, and scholars from all over the world have studied and analyzed it extensively.

Author: Rynosuke Akutagawa
Publication date: 1915
Genres: Short Story, Fiction
Goodreads rating: 4/5 (7,858 votes)
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