WHY AKUTAGAWA IS OBSESSED WITH DAZAI

In the annals of Japanese literature, two names stand tall, casting long shadows that continue to intrigue and captivate readers to this day: Ryunosuke Akutagawa and Osamu Dazai. The relationship between these two literary giants was complex, a tangled web of admiration, rivalry, and unrequited desire. It is said that Akutagawa was obsessed with Dazai, an obsession that manifested in a multitude of ways and significantly influenced Akutagawa’s life and work.

Tracing the Roots of Obsession

The roots of Akutagawa’s obsession with Dazai can be traced back to their first encounter in 1923. At the time, Akutagawa was an established writer, while Dazai was just a young and aspiring author. Despite the disparity in their careers, Akutagawa was immediately struck by Dazai’s talent and brilliance. He saw in Dazai a kindred spirit, a fellow traveler in the realm of literature.

Akutagawa became a mentor to Dazai, guiding him through the treacherous waters of the literary world. He encouraged Dazai to write, and he tirelessly edited and critiqued Dazai’s work. Akutagawa recognized that Dazai had the potential to become a great writer, and he was determined to help him achieve his full potential.

A Tumultuous Rivalry

As Dazai’s star began to rise, a sense of rivalry developed between him and Akutagawa. Akutagawa, who had long been considered one of the leading lights of Japanese literature, felt threatened by Dazai’s growing popularity. He feared that Dazai would overshadow him, and he became increasingly critical of Dazai’s work.

This rivalry manifested in a number of ways. Akutagawa publicly criticized Dazai’s writing, accusing him of being too sentimental and melodramatic. He also tried to sabotage Dazai’s career by spreading rumors and gossip about him. Akutagawa’s actions were motivated by a combination of jealousy and fear.

The Unrequited Love

In addition to his admiration and rivalry, Akutagawa also harbored an unrequited love for Dazai. While Dazai was married, Akutagawa could not help but be drawn to his beauty, his intelligence, and his magnetic personality. Akutagawa’s love for Dazai was a source of both pain and inspiration for him. It drove him to write some of his most passionate and heart-wrenching stories.

Akutagawa’s obsession with Dazai reached its peak in 1927 when Dazai published his semi-autobiographical novel, No Longer Human. The novel, which chronicled the life of a young man who struggles with depression and alienation, resonated deeply with Akutagawa. He saw in the protagonist of the novel a reflection of his own inner turmoil.

The Tragic End

Akutagawa’s obsession with Dazai came to a tragic end in 1927 when he committed suicide at the age of 35. There are many theories about why Akutagawa took his own life, but it is widely believed that his unrequited love for Dazai and his intense rivalry with him played a significant role in his decision.

Akutagawa’s death left a profound impact on Dazai. Dazai was devastated by the loss of his friend and mentor, and he struggled to come to terms with his own role in Akutagawa’s suicide. Dazai himself would later commit suicide in 1948, at the age of 39.

Conclusion

The relationship between Akutagawa and Dazai was one of the most complex and fascinating in Japanese literary history. It was a relationship marked by admiration, rivalry, unrequited love, and tragedy. Akutagawa’s obsession with Dazai drove him to new heights of creativity and brilliance, but it also led to his downfall. In the end, Akutagawa’s love for Dazai proved to be too strong for him to bear.

FAQs

1. What was the nature of Akutagawa's obsession with Dazai?

   • Akutagawa's obsession with Dazai was a complex mix of admiration, rivalry, and unrequited love.

2. How did Akutagawa's obsession with Dazai influence his work?

   • Akutagawa's obsession with Dazai inspired him to write some of his most passionate and heart-wrenching stories.

3. What was the role of Akutagawa's unrequited love for Dazai in his suicide?

   • Akutagawa's unrequited love for Dazai is believed to have played a significant role in his decision to commit suicide.

4. How did Dazai react to Akutagawa's death?

   • Dazai was devastated by Akutagawa's death and struggled to come to terms with his own role in it.

5. What is the legacy of Akutagawa and Dazai's relationship?

   • Akutagawa and Dazai's relationship is considered one of the most complex and fascinating in Japanese literary history. It is a relationship that continues to be studied and debated today.