The Flatfish Guardianship

Examines Yozo's relationship with Flatfish, his father's henchman, who became his guardian and a symbol of the hypocrisy of the adult world.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Change in Flatfish

The Metamorphosis The Former Friend Before the suicide, Flatfish had been a friendly antique dealer. Afterward, he became cold and contemptuous. Yozo was shocked by the change. The Contemptuous Treatment Flatfish forbade Yozo to leave the house, and the boy clerk treated Yozo as a simpleton. Yozo felt like a parasite. The Lesson in Hypocrisy Yozo realized that human beings can change completely when the situation suits them. This deepened his distrust.

The Failed Dinner Conversation

The Misunderstanding The Rare Sake Flatfish invited Yozo to dinner with sake. He asked about Yozo's plans, but his circumlocutory manner confused Yozo. The Money Issue Flatfish hinted that money was available from home, but he did not say it directly. Yozo, unable to read between the lines, remained silent. The Result Yozo said he wanted to be a painter, and Flatfish laughed. The conversation ended in failure. Yozo ran away the next morning.

The Runaway

The Escape The Note Yozo left a note saying he would consult Horiki. He did not intend to return, but he wanted to avoid causing Flatfish alarm. The Lie His note was a lie, but he felt compelled to embellish the truth. This habit of pleasing others led him to deceive Flatfish. The Aftermath Flatfish sent a telegram to Horiki, and the chase was on. Yozo's flight led him to Shizuko and a new form of dependency.

The Guardian's Role in the Commitment

The Final Betrayal The Car Ride Flatfish came with Horiki to take Yozo to the hospital. He spoke in a quiet, compassionate tone, but Yozo later realized he was being tricked. The Manipulation Flatfish said, "You should go to a hospital," and Yozo, weeping, obeyed. He had no will left. The Result Yozo was committed to a mental hospital. Flatfish had fulfilled his duty as a guardian by locking him away.

The Final Visit

The Release The News of Father's Death Flatfish came with Yozo's brother to take him out of the hospital. He told Yozo that his father had died. The Gift of Money Flatfish gave Yozo money, pretending it was from himself, but Yozo knew it was from his brothers. He saw through Flatfish's theatrical airs. The End of the Relationship Yozo was taken to the country, and Flatfish disappeared from his life. The guardianship ended, but the scars remained.

after the Kamakura incident, when Yozo went to live with him

late March, that year

the morning after the dinner

the day of the commitment to the mental hospital

three months later, when Yozo was released