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.
             "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. At first the reader is repeatedly given the facts and can formulate their personal opinion of the truth. This idea of truth becomes tainted due to the last three accounts substantially contradicting each other. Each version is fabricated to hide the truth based on the fear of being judged.
             For the raped wife Masago, it was the degrading rape, which took place in front of her husband, forever living with his "icy contempt" (110) that made her cre
             ...