Pathway to Japanese Literature
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| Original Title | 夜の構図 |
|---|---|
| Author | 織田 作之助 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | Suga Shinkichi, a playwright arriving in Tokyo for his debut, prides himself on his cynical detachment and "spiritual dandyism," believing life's passions are merely fleeting illusions. But his carefully constructed world of intellectual superiority begins to unravel amidst a rain-soaked summer. A casual hotel dalliance with the impulsive Itsuko gives way to a bizarre encounter with a man advertising his own death, hinting at a hidden world of deception and desire. Soon, Shinkichi finds himself drawn to Saeko, an enigmatic actress whose chaste demeanor challenges his every assumption about women. As he navigates philosophical debates, unexpected jealousy, and the messy realities of human connection, Shinkichi’s self-proclaimed "second-rate" heart yearns for a passion he believes himself incapable of. Can this self-aware philanderer truly love, or is he destined to merely orchestrate the suffering of those drawn to his enigmatic charm. |
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