「古譚」の構想とその背景 : 中島敦中期文学についての一考察

抄録

This essay, following upon my earlier essay, "On the Composition of Kotan," which tentatively placed the composition of Kotan after Hikari to Kage to Yume (Light, Wind, and Dreams) had taken definite shape in Tokichi's mind, demonstrates that Kotan was conceived in four parts. The essay goes on to trace the development of the author's consciousness from his earlier work to Kotan. Finally, it attempts to situate Kotans among the works of the middle period, to reflect upon its meaning, and to consider the author's aims in its composition. I offer a partial qualification of the traditional interpretation of Atsushi's efforts to break out of his metaphysical labyrinth as reflecting a desire to transform himself from spectator to actor.