# XII explained — Kusamakura

> Chapter companion for Kusamakura by Natsume Sōseki.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kusamakura_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kusamakura_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kusamakura_se/chapters