Kusamakura · Chapter
XII explained
The narrator reflects on the artistic temperament, comparing the priest Daitetsu to a natural artist and asserting his own identity as a true artist despite not painting.
What happens
The narrator reflects on the artistic temperament, comparing the priest Daitetsu to a natural artist and asserting his own identity as a true artist despite not painting. He observes Nami-san performing a dagger ritual on the verandah, then later sees her give money to a desperate man heading to Manchuria. They walk home together, and Nami-san explains the man's plight.
Themes in this chapter
The Role of the Artist
The narrator defines the true artist as one who attains a psychological height and appreciates nature, regardless of producing physical works.
Art vs. Reality
The narrator views Nami-san's actions as theatrical performance, treating life as a picture to maintain his artistic detachment.
Escape and Detachment
The narrator seeks to escape society and maintain an 'unhuman' perspective, seeing everything through an artistic lens.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Reflects on art and the artist's life; observes Nami-san's dagger ritual and her encounter with a man; walks home with Nami-san.
- Nami
Performs a dagger ritual on the verandah; later meets a man on the tableland and gives him money; walks home with the narrator.
- Daitetsu
Mentioned as the priest of Kaikanji, described as well-qualified to be an artist due to his uncluttered mind.
Key passages
“He is like a bag without a bottom: everything passes through him freely. No impurities stagnate within him.”
Daitetsu's mind is completely open and uncluttered, allowing experiences to flow through without residue.
The narrator praises Daitetsu's artistic potential despite his lack of formal art knowledge.
“With her acting is natural. It may be that hers is what may be called an aesthetic life.”
Nami-san's behavior is inherently theatrical, as if she lives her life as a work of art without conscious effort.
The narrator interprets Nami-san's actions as a form of aesthetic performance.
“I had come out on my present sojourn, I told myself, to be away from the 'madding crowd,' and to make of myself a confirmed artist.”
The narrator's purpose in traveling to Nakoi is to escape society and fully embrace his identity as an artist.
The narrator reaffirms his goal of detachment and artistic self-cultivation.