Essay Questions

Explain the quote: “The disciple could not fail to see through his master's design. But his master's innermost feelings, which led him to work out such an elaborate scheme, aroused his disciple's sympathy" as used in the "The Nose” by Rynousuke Akutagawa.

This statement is quoted from the disciple concerning the monk society. It is an appealing quote because Zenchi convinces the disciple to commence speaking about noses and aid with the cure. The quote is also significant because it helps in drawing the attention of the readers to the thoughts of the characters in the play. The disciple can uncover why Zenchi acts in a certain way, which is not usual. The moral lesson from this quote is that as human beings, there are circumstances in which we act similarly as the disciple. The reader is also able to understand the intention of the author from this quote. For instance, it is not right to use other people and sympathy to score personal goals.

Discuss how the author uses the imagery of sight in “The Nose”.

The author uses the bright light at the garden at dawn to appeal the sense of sight to the reader. Because there is light, the reader can visualize the components of the garden and its surroundings. This imagery of sight is important because it gives the reader an urge to continue reading the story. For instance, Zenchi finds harmony at dawn by admiring what nature has to offer. The author writes:

“…the garden was as bright as if it were carpeted with gold because in the garden the ginkgo trees and horse chestnuts had overnight shed all their leaves; and the chest of the pagoda must have been encrusted with frost, for the nine copper rings were brightly shining in the still faint glimmer of the rising sun"

How is the author able to use the Temple and the Bell to build his story?

Both the Temple and the Bell are symbolically used. For instance, the temple symbolizes a holy place where people find spiritual peace. At the temple, one is able to talk to God directly and ask for forgiveness and other favors. On the other hand, the bell is used to symbolize special things that happen when one visits the temple. For instance, when visiting the temple one expects solace and spiritual healing.