The Spider's Thread

Book Review

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa's «The Spider's Thread» is a short story often regarded as an allegory of human nature and moral values. At the center of the plot is the villain Kandata, who is given a chance to escape hell due to a good deed he performed in life. However, his selfishness and inability to show compassion lead to a tragic outcome. Critics note that Akutagawa masterfully uses symbolism and metaphors to highlight themes of salvation and moral choice. The story is also seen as a critique of selfishness and greed, showing that even the smallest kindness can have significant meaning, but true salvation is only possible through sincere repentance and altruism. Akutagawa's style, his conciseness, and ability to convey deep philosophical ideas through simple imagery make «The Spider's Thread» a classic work of Japanese literature.