“Toyo-o, the third child, was a handsome youth with a predilection for learning and cultural pursuits typical of life in Kyoto, the nation’s capital. He had no desire or inclination to devote his time and efforts to the family occupation. Because of this, Toyo-o was something of a problem to his father. Pondering his wayward son’s future welfare…… But then Toyo-o was the sort who, once he came into possession of money, would soon be deceived and robbed of all that he owned.”

 

I am analyzing this passage because I feel it introduces and depicts the character to be the type that would suffer the fate that he did. The passage sets the tone for the reader that Toyo-o would end up going through something that he wouldn’t want to, and he’d be a victim to one of life’s crazy occurrences. Firstly, a good looking person whose family has their own business and is wealthy automatically makes them a person of interest and desire. Probably since the beginning of time. Although, a lot of people who are actually genuine and good-hearted look for more than just looks and money. In this case, unfortunately, his ‘admirer’ was a serpent/spirit with wicked desires. His handsomeness and his family’s prosperity makes having an attraction to him super easy and worthwhile.

Secondly, he was inquisitive, as he had been described as having “a predilection for learning”, hinting that whatever seemed worth the exploration to him, he would go forth with it. So it’s very much expected that he’d find interest in a beautiful woman and whatever she claimed she had to offer. “Curiosity killed the cat, but the cat died smiling.”

He was also said to be wayward. Stubbornness and being erratic is sure to get you into trouble, a lot. But not all the time. Being strong-willed, which to me is part of being stubborn, is a good thing. It’s good to have a mind of your own. You’re able to think in depth about certain things. On page 635, “Toyo-o was racked with doubts and suspicion. Can I still be dreaming, and will it soon come to an end? All this, however, seemed to be real enough. Still, it was all so mysterious that he could not fathom it.” He had his doubts, I guess he was able to sense something wasn’t right. He should have left right away. He also didn’t accept Manago’s proposal right away, he thought about how he would not be able to support her, because he lives off his parents and he had to discuss this with them first. Some young men would be selfish and foolish and rush to get married without thinking about the things that come with it.

{ Like for me, I’ve been called stubborn all my life. Up until a couple years ago I never understood why. Like I would go ahead and do something even though I personally tell myself that I shouldn’t, simply because I wanted to do it before I figured out that it was a bad idea. I just have to make sure that I was right, despite the consequences. Not very smart. But they’re experiences I could include in my book. Like Toyo-o’s experience, definitely one to write about.}

Most importantly, his father says he would be “deceived and robbed of all that he owned”, showing that Toyo-o was vulnerable and gullible. Making him the perfect target. One that no evil creature would be able to resist. It makes sense that a beautiful woman would be able to easily enter his life and does as she pleases with him.