beyond the curve

             Beyond the Curve, written by Kobo Abe sends a message to his fellow Japanese citizens. He constructs an allegory based on honor, identity, and Dante's Hell. Abe's choice of writing allows us to think deeper than the obvious, and "read between the lines."
             "Dendrocacalia" is written as an allegory. It can be interpreted in relation to World War II. The main character, Common, is representative of ordinary Japanese citizens during the war. He is being punished for actions that he, himself, did not knowingly commit. For his punishment, Common transforms into a tree rooted in the earth. His face slips off, his arms are made into leaves and branches, and his legs become the trunk of the tree. In this illustration, this torment is what many Japanese endured during World War II. Many were harmed during numerous bombings and other wartime casualties. These Japanese citizens were harmed for the actions of the state, not the individual themselves. Each citizen lost part of their honor, as well as their personal dignity during this unsettling time. They were a the mercy of their government and were forced to face the repercussions of governmental actions
             In dealing with honor, the concept of suicide is discussed. Throughout the story, Common fights the transformation into a tree on every occasion, except the last. He tries desperately to hold on to his human identity, despite the obvious physical struggles, as well as the personal advice and council from the Director of the Botanical Garden. He wanted to fight his "death" at all costs. He would not let this unexplainable power defeat him, for if he died at the mercy of another force other than his own, would be dishonorable, as well as sinful.
             This concept of suicide is related to Dante's theory of Hell. Dante's Hell is a place of fire where people go to purge their sins. The sinners that are placed in hell have no a...

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beyond the curve. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 05:37, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/57937.html