“Bewitched”, written by Ueda Akinari, is a story that focuses on many themes that we have discussed. Love, manipulation, and family discord are all prevalent in the plot. In fact, in just the third paragraph, Toyo-o, the protagonist, is already described as a problem to his father for his lack of interest in the family business (632). Later on, when the commotion regarding the stolen sword is erupting, Toyo-o is referred to as a “good-for-nothing son” by his Father (637).
From the moment Manago enters the story, her beauty demands the focus of Toyo-o. She is befittingly portrayed as “bewitchingly voluptuous” and not only keeps Toyo-o up at night, but is implanted in his dreams. It is interesting to note that the author does not refer to her by name, thereby alluding to the fact that she may not be any one person, or even a person at all. Perhaps one of the most unique sentences of the story was when Toyo-o is described as feeling like “a bird taking flight from its roost” after Manago confesses her love to him. We know that birds are known to represent freedom and positivity in literature, but in this case the protagonist is heading down a path that leads to the exact opposite.
When Manago finds again in the trading area of Tanabe (641), it is really amazing how quickly and effectively she is able to turn the crowd on her side. With a few simple reasons about why she may not be a devil and a tear-filled plea to explain herself, she is brought into a home with open arms – the home of Toyo-o’s sister nonetheless. Toyo-o, just as the husband from “The Wise Neighbor”, was unable to resist the physical beauty of his partner for more than a few days, and forgot all else in his life.
It was pleasantly surprising that Toyo-o was able to literally exercise his demons and go on to live a long and healthy life. As he is suffocating the devil “with all his strength” (647) at the end of the story, one can feel his 100 days in jail, his accusatory and ungrateful father, and the times he was threatened and deceived all releasing to create this unbreakable hold over the devil.
For Questions:
1. Was there a climax to this winding story? Could there have been more than one?
2. The old man Tagima seems to come out of nowhere and potentially save many lives. Is he a coincidental hero, or perhaps a symbol of something greater?
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