In the Land of Water Sprites

Style and Technique

In «In the Land of Water Sprites», Ryūnosuke Akutagawa employs a satirical style to critique social norms and human vices. The language of the work is characterized by conciseness and precision, allowing the author to convey profound ideas through simple and understandable imagery. Literary devices such as irony and allegory play a key role in creating the atmosphere of the work. The structure of the story is built around the protagonist's journey into the world of kappas, enabling the author to explore various aspects of human nature through the lens of a fantastical world. Akutagawa uses kappa characters as a means to reflect and critique human society, highlighting the absurdity and ridiculousness of some of its aspects. The story is rich with philosophical musings and subtle humor, making it a multilayered and profound work.