Pathway to Japanese Literature
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AbandonAuthor: Itō Sachio
| Original Title | 廃める |
|---|---|
| Author | 伊藤 左千夫 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In bustling Tokyo, a young medical student grapples with fragile health and the weight of expectations. Battling a lung condition, he navigates the demands of academia while yearning for a life steeped in poetry and literature. Guided by his wise mentor Ōki—a man whose philosophical musings offer solace—he seeks balance between duty and passion. Their conversations weave through themes of mortality, purpose, and finding joy in life’s preparations rather than its outcomes. Amidst boarding-house camaraderie and fleeting friendships, the student’s quiet love for a distant figure lingers, adding tenderness to his solitude. Yet shadows loom: night sweats, a doctor’s ominous words, and the visceral horrors of dissection rooms test his resolve. As autumn deepens, he wavers between clinging to societal ambitions and surrendering to an uncertain fate. Will scholarly pursuits consume him, or can he carve a path where literature becomes his refuge? A poignant exploration of youth, illness, and the search for meaning in a world indifferent to fragility. |
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