Economic Crash - “Rashomon”
The goings-on in “Roshomon” ensue in the backdrop of a pervasive Depression. Akutagawa elucidates, “The prosperity of the city of Kyoøto had been rapidly declining, and he had been dismissed by his master, whom he had served many years, because of the effects of this decline.” The economic devastation shocks all the social classes. As a result, the affluent cannot manage to pay their servants, so they release them. Akutagawa makes a covert case that there is a robust correlation between Economic decline and moral decline. Economic woes accelerate depravity in the society.
Heroism - “Yam Gruel”
Akutawaga speaks of Goi as a hero in the exposition of “Yam Gruel”. The portrayal informs the reader to look out for Goi’s heroism throughout Yam Gruel. Goi’s encounter with Toshihito converts him from a downcast man to a protagonist. In the course of their journey , to Tsuruga, Goi, contemplates, “since he had now fallen more and more under the sway of Toshihito, his own will had become all the freer in the broad embrace of this hero's will.” When Goi affirms his longing to fill himself with yam gruel he risks ridicule. However, the affirmation is heroic because it draws Toshihito’s attention, how takes him to Tsuruga and accords him treatment befitting a hero. Goi’s capability to catch Fujiwara Toshihito’s attention can be designated a heroic feat that culminates in his long term desire for the yam gruel.
