第三者The Third Party

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What you'll learn

In the Carpathian forest, two sworn enemies, Ulrich and Georg, confront each other but are crushed by a falling tree. Trapped together, they reconcile and await rescue, only to discover wolves approaching.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～のごとく N1Like; as if. Literary equivalent of のように.
  つまり、この両家は三代にわたって仇敵のごとく争っているのだ。
• ～ものの N3Although; but. Concedes a point but introduces contrast.
  重い編上靴をはいていたからよかったものの、そうでなかったら、足がつぶれるところだった。
• ～を～に（して） N3With ~ as; using ~ as. Indicates means or basis.
  二人声を揃えて呼んでみようじゃないか。
• ～してやる N4Do for someone (often with condescension or threat).
  きたらまずおれを助けだしてくれて、そのあとで、お前のうえに大きな木をもひとつのせるだろうよ。
• ～かどうか N4Whether or not.
  死んだのではなかろうかと、グラドウィツは思った。

Cultural notes

• Carpathian MountainsThe story is set in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains, a region in Central Europe known for its dense forests and historical hunting grounds. This setting emphasizes the isolation and wildness of the confrontation.
• Land Disputes and HonorThe feud between the two families over land reflects historical conflicts in rural Europe, where property and honor were deeply intertwined. The phrase '三代にわたって仇敵のごとく争っている' (fighting like enemies for three generations) underscores the generational nature of such feuds.

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Topics & grammar

Short Storymysteryrevengehatredsuspensefuldark〜かどうかka dou ka · whether or not