다자이 오사무(太宰治) 『불꽃(花火)』과 카프카 『변신』과의 비교연구

Abstract

In this article, we explore a possibility that Dazai’s writing of Flame was affected by Die Verwandlung by F. Kafka. Firstly, we point out intimacies and affinities with F. Kafka’s work in terms of biographical facts. Our analysis concerns biographical facts which represent close similarities between the two figures in terms of their living environment and characteristics of their literary works. Furthermore, we also consider direct reading experiences as a point of affinity with Die Verwandlung as well as the fact that the work was introduced by the scholars of the German literature, Mayumi Haga and Yukio Takahashi. The second notable point is concerned with aspects of the relation between the figures and the incidents. The structure of a family and concerns of the family members are reflected in the similar structure of the two literary works. Katsuji’s transformation into a “horrible destroyer of family” can be connected with Gregor’s transformation into an insect. Therefore, inherent to the two works is lack of proper communication in “isolation from family.” In particular, our focus is put on family conflicts. Finally, the issues of estrangement and death are also noteworthy. Dazai introduces the main character, Katsuji, who regresses both mentally and behaviorally, describing the process whereby he is estranged from his family and friends. During this process, we observe, the senses of frustration and estrangement emerge; Katsuji cannot overcome the gap between the existential “ego” and the everyday “ego.” On the other hand, we argue that the two literary works show a point of similarity in that the main character in each work accepts death by regarding it as a means of overcoming the existential state of estrangement, or a means of salvaging the spirit of the character through reincarnation.