Hehe it was hilarious story. I looked up some discussions of this one and it seems that this is a well analysed story. While most analyses focus on love vs jealousy, here's my take on the book. The author, through this story, exposes the human bias where in people believe that they could do no wrong, but the other most definitely would. Especially one described as barbaric and jealous – because after all we are well aware how those feelings affects us and what someone in that situation would do, essentially meaning that we ourselves might choose the other's choice of action, despite feeling assured that there's no way we would.
I would rather starve than steal, but surely the poor wretch could bear his hunger no longer and resorted to stealing. I can understand, but I could never do the same, for I am better.
This barbaric princess would surely throw the man to the tiger, but I would surely choose love, because I am better. The princess however, is barbaric after all. Besides we all know how jealously can drive you to murder. We all know that feeling intimately. But surely, given the power over someone's fate, I would choose better.
Essentially it forces us to face ourselves. Not in the choice of love, trust or security. But rather in knowing what we are capable of, and then, knowing how barbaric our choice would be, and then choosing better because of that knowledge. Perhaps out of pride or dignity, or perhaps out of good sense and morality. To know your monsters is to tame them but many refuse to face this very reality. Therefore, this taunting story.
My Day 5 read here. Thank you for the support through my challenge!
by Bakakura