Post by Justin Yu on Oct 23, 2015 19:39:03 GMT
The lemon in Kaiji Motojiro’s “Lemon” was described in such a way that highlights its aesthetic qualities over its surrounding. Much of this description was given by the main character of “Lemon,” who extracted pleasure from seemingly insignificant objects such as Nanking beads. This was further compounded by his extreme debt and “an indefinable mass” which drove him from “the music and poetry he once loved” (Motojiro, p149). In the decrepit neighborhood in which the main character resided, the lemon (and its color) sold at the grocery store was a rare existence. The lemon contrasted so greatly with its surroundings and compelled the main character to buy it. It was through this purchase that the man‘s burden was lifted and he was able to recall literature of the past while regaining his vitality. With his newfound willpower, the man ventured into the department store he used to avoid to view art books he once used to take pleasure in. Even though his depression at viewing the works was still apparent, the lemon motivated him to continue.
Throughout their short time together, the lemon acted as a source of therapy for the man. It appealed to all of his senses and allowed him to recall literary works which had pained him earlier due to his depression. The perfection of its shape and color allowed him to forget his depression and even empowered him to enter the department store, Maruzen, where he felt most of his depression.
Even when he was assailed by gloomy thoughts when viewing the old art books, the lemon pushed him to continue. After the structure of art books was built, the lemon was then placed on top of it. I understood this to mean that the man was finally able to conquer his depression and past pleasures.
On a side note, I thought it was interesting that the man would mention that he wished he had escaped Kyoto. There was little to stop him to do so so what caused him to stay?
Throughout their short time together, the lemon acted as a source of therapy for the man. It appealed to all of his senses and allowed him to recall literary works which had pained him earlier due to his depression. The perfection of its shape and color allowed him to forget his depression and even empowered him to enter the department store, Maruzen, where he felt most of his depression.
Even when he was assailed by gloomy thoughts when viewing the old art books, the lemon pushed him to continue. After the structure of art books was built, the lemon was then placed on top of it. I understood this to mean that the man was finally able to conquer his depression and past pleasures.
On a side note, I thought it was interesting that the man would mention that he wished he had escaped Kyoto. There was little to stop him to do so so what caused him to stay?