Akutagawa's "In a Grove" and Bachmann's "The Barking"
Each individual holds a unique understanding of reality that must be respected when considering truth. When it comes to truth, while one man may see something cut and dry, another man's interpretation may vary based on his own perspectives, leaving us to question if there rightly is more than one truth. This assumption forces us to recognize the fact that unconditional truth is very mystifying, and although vigorously sought after, will never be found. Akutagawa's "In a Grove" and Bachmann's "The Barking" are prime examples of how it is part of human nature to create one's point of view shaped by gender, culture, history, or even class and apply this understanding to create "the truth". Personal views are used to create or transform the truth in a manner that is convincing and credible to each individual. This creation of truth can be used as a means of protecting one's ego or preventing the possibility of being wrong and facing judgment. Whether necessary or not, judgment of others is a daily occurrence seemingly dependent on an individuals constructed truth. Although this truth may be biased or stereotypically formulated, it appears to be the most substantial element used while judging others.
We the reader, produce our understanding based on the given facts in each story. For the husband Takehiro, the humiliation of a samurai "sobbing" (112) and not being able to protect his wife was far too unbearable. "In a Grove" was a story created for the purpose of showing how probable differences in point's of view do in fact deny the possibility of an authentic truth. At this point in the story she has distorted reality and used Nuri as an outlet for her own personal hatred towards Leo. Jordan manipulates the truth in order to avoid judgment from others. At first the reader is repeatedly given the facts and can formulate their personal opinion of the truth. Both of these stories describe significant episodes in the characters' lives and their reactions, which allow the reader to try to make sense of the individual's understanding of reality. "In a Grove" is a tale based on the mindset of the Japanese culture depicting the death of a samurai and the rape of his wife, told through the accounts of seven different individuals, one of course being a ghost. Jordan focuses her reality around him, regardless of her hidden fears. Willing to do just about anything to keep what she has fashioned as her son's affection, Mrs. In the end she unknowingly comes to grips with the truth of her hatred towards her son, hearing a "great, wild, triumphant howling of a single dog" (256). Much like the characters in "In a Grove", Mrs. Jordan gives away her "very beautiful dog" Nuri, who "hated Leo" (252). She now believes herself to be surrounded by barking dogs, so close in fact, that when Leo came to visit "she was sure Nuri was with her again and would fly at Leo, and bark at him" (255).
Common topics in this essay:
Leo Jordan,
Bachmann's Barking,
Reality Truth,
Grove Jordan,
Jordan Barking,
create truth,
understanding reality,
hatred towards,
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Acceptance Essays
