薔薇の女The Rose Woman

What you'll learn

A carriage travels toward Veracruz, carrying a diverse group of passengers including two mysterious individuals. The doctor and others discuss the infamous bandit Zapatas, leading to a dramatic revelation.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～の如き N1Meaning 'like' or 'such as', used in literary contexts to compare.
  たとえばあの有名なザバタスの如きですな。
• ～に及んで N1Means 'upon reaching the point of' or 'going so far as to', often used for negative actions.
  やがてそれを発見するに及んでその無頼漢を縊り殺してしまった上、
• ～を忍ぶ N1Means 'to endure' or 'to bear', often in compound phrases like '世を忍ぶ' (to hide one's identity).
  二人共如何にも世を忍ぶ風情である。
• ～てやる N4Expresses doing something for someone (often with a nuance of generosity or condescension).
  「坊さま、あなたのよき祝福を下さいませ」と云ったのです。勿論僧正は彼の望むものを授けてやりました。
• ～てしまう N4Indicates completion or regrettable action.
  やがてそれを発見するに及んでその無頼漢を縊り殺してしまった上、

Cultural notes

• Mexican Bandits and the 'Gentleman' ArchetypeThe story references Zapatas, a legendary Mexican bandit known for chivalrous behavior. This reflects a common trope in Latin American literature of the 'noble outlaw' who steals from the rich and helps the poor, similar to Robin Hood.
• Social Hierarchy in 19th Century MexicoCharacters include a marquise (侯爵夫人), a bishop (僧正), and landowners. This indicates the rigid class structure of Mexican society during the period, where bandits often targeted the wealthy but also showed deference to high-ranking individuals.

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Topics

Short Storymysteryghost storysuspensedangersuspensefuleerieaozora bunko