Longing and Other Stories by Jun'ichirō. Tanizaki

Author:Jun'ichirō. Tanizaki [Tanizaki, Jun'ichirō.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780231202145
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 2022-01-03T23:00:00+00:00

* * *

At ten o’clock the next morning, Suzuki’s remains turned to ashes, were placed in a jar that seemed too small to hold the remnants of a human being, and were carried from Ueno Station to his hometown. The nearly fifty students who gathered to see him off stood on the platform by the train windows.

“Thank you for your many kindnesses to my son during his lifetime. Today, as well, you have come a great distance to say good-bye. We are very grateful to you.” Suzuki’s father went from student to student, greeting each one with sincere, countrified eloquence. The deceased’s younger sister, the one rumored to be a beauty, came bowing modestly after her father.

Shōzaburō too was greeted by Suzuki’s father and sister. When the words “Thank you for your many kindnesses” were addressed to him, he felt that the customary response of “Not at all” would be insufficient. Adding, “It is I who should thank you,” he glanced uncomfortably at the little jar.

Among the fifty students were some whom Shōzaburō had wronged so grievously that he supposed they might assault him if he met them on the street; but out of respect for the deceased, none of them sought to humiliate him. Suddenly he felt as though he’d been cleared of all charges. It would seem that Suzuki continued to show mercy to him, even in death.

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