Post by Wan X. Wu on Sept 17, 2015 3:36:47 GMT
I think the relationship between Kojuro and the bears/shopkeeper is how society worked back then. Prey and predator, regardless of choice. Kind of like the feudal system at the time. Even though Kojuro can coexist with the bears in harmony, but he's a hunter and the bear was his prey, he must hunt in order to survive. In return, Kojuro is the shopkeeper's prey, the shopkeeper takes advantage of Kojuro. As indicated in the book "Kojuro should get the better of the bears, that the shopkeeper should get the better of Kojuro.." (p.108)
I think the ceremony at the end represents a funeral and the gathering of bears to mourn Kojuro's death. The bear said at the end "I didn't mean to kill you." (p.111), so I think it might be a gathering of the bear's family to see Kojuro off. I actually dont know who the narrator is, I think it's either nature itself or its the shopkeeper telling the story of Kojuro.
Question: Why do you think the bear needed 2 years before it can die?
I think the ceremony at the end represents a funeral and the gathering of bears to mourn Kojuro's death. The bear said at the end "I didn't mean to kill you." (p.111), so I think it might be a gathering of the bear's family to see Kojuro off. I actually dont know who the narrator is, I think it's either nature itself or its the shopkeeper telling the story of Kojuro.
Question: Why do you think the bear needed 2 years before it can die?