Books Rashomon and Seventeen Other Stories by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Author), Jay Rubin (Translator), Haruki Murakami

The story is set in twelfth-century Kyoto at the decaying Rashomon gate, symbolizing societal collapse and moral decay. A dismissed servant contemplates his fate amid a time of poverty and catastrophe. Initially reluctant to resort to theft, his encounter with an old woman who steals hair from corpses to survive causes him to reconsider, ultimately rationalizing that theft is necessary for survival. This dark tale explores themes of desperation, morality, and survival under harsh conditions Rashōmon.​

Context and Themes

Akutagawa's stories often delve into human psychology and ethical dilemmas, frequently set against historical or supernatural backdrops. "Rashomon" is well known for its exploration of human nature when faced with dire circumstances and has inspired notable adaptations, including Akira Kurosawa's iconic 1950 film, which also draws on Akutagawa's "In a Grove.