Rashomon - “Rashomon”
Rashomon represents wreckage. Akutagawa explains, “the repair of the Rashoømon was out of the question. Taking advantage of the devastation, foxes and other wild animals made their dens in the ruins of the gate, and thieves and robbers found a home there too.” Rashomon was reduced to a discarding site for all manner of things because of the infeasibility of repairing it to defend its splendor. Accordingly, Rashomon turned into an abandoned monument not worth a second glance.
Darkness - “Rashomon”
In the resolution, Akutagawa writes, “Beyond this was only darkness... unknowing and unknown.” Darkness depicts the ambiguity in Kyoto. The uncertainty is ascribed to the deterioration that has gotten all the city’s residents to their knees as their survival is under threat. Furthermore, the darkness accentuates the ominous disposition in Kyoto.
Red Nose - “Yam Gruel”
Goi’s red nose is a signal of disgrace. People humiliate Goi by bringing up to his red nose. For example, a child tells Goi, “You, red−nosed wretch!" The insult has connotations of dishonor. The red nose, in the eyes of Goi’s mockers, undermines Goi’s standing as a man.
Yam Gruel-“ Yam Gruel”
Akutagawa writes asserts, “In those days it was regarded as the supreme delicacy, even at the dining table of the sovereign of the realm.” Yam Gruel is representative of sovereignty and class-based exclusivity that is why the low-ranking individuals such as Goi eat it just once every year.
