the third night

Although this story is very short, I could only get a clear image of it as a whole after finishing the story. It seems very much that this "dream" is an insight into life greatly based on some Buddhist beliefs. The last line of the story, which was "As soon as I realized that I was a murderer, the child weighed heavy on my back as if it were a stone statue of a Bodhisattva" is what gave me the final conclusion. The belief in reincarnation, along side with karma, and choosing a path for yourself before you are reborn in your next life plays great importance. The main character of the story cannot spiritually advance before coming into acceptance with what he has prior committed. To me this seems more so of a positive and enlightening story rather than a sad one. Although the beginning is very haste, with many details creating a weary feeling within us (the night, the screeches, a blind child which the father is in a rush to get rid off, etc.). After finishing the story I feel like the "son" was there to help the "father" ind out and come into acceptance with his doings. However after all this story can be interpreted in many ways.
One thing that I was curious about was,  what is the importance that it was 100 years ago? Also, what is the importance of the year 1808? Historically, personally, or otherwise... ?