作品Free Graded Reading
マロニエの花Horse Chestnut Flowers
Maronie no Hana
by 岡本 かの子 · Okamoto Kanoko
A painter dreams of Paris but finds love under London's horse chestnut trees.
About this story
About this storyA young painter longing for Paris unexpectedly falls in love under London's horse chestnut trees.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in JapaneseWhat you'll learn
What you'll learnA young painter dreams of Paris and its romantic chestnut trees, but is forced to live in London for a year. There, he falls in love with his landlady's daughter despite complaining about English girls. When he finally reaches Paris, he discovers the 'marronnier' is the same as the 'horse chestnut' he despised, shattering his dreams. He returns to London and settles with the English girl.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| ホースナッツ・ツリー | horse chestnut tree |
|---|---|
| 野暮 (やぼ) | boorish, uncouth, rustic |
| あこがれる | to long for; to yearn for |
| くさす | to speak ill of; to disparage |
| マロニエ | horse chestnut (French loanword) |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～ために (N3) N3Indicates purpose: 'in order to'初め一年間はぜひともロンドンに住み、それからあとは目的のパリ留学に向わして貰える約束を持った。
- ～てしまう (N4) N4Indicates completion or regret; here 'ended up'しかもパリの恋へのあこがれは捨てずに「イギリスの娘はごつごつしていて」とくさしていた。
- ～といっている (N4) N4Structure meaning 'says that'英人はホースナッツ・ツリーといっている。
- ～のです (N5) N5Explanatory tone: 'it is that'パリのマロニエはそちらのホースナッツのことですとさ。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- Horse Chestnut vs. MarronnierThe horse chestnut tree is called 'Horse Chestnut' in English and 'marronnier' in French. The story highlights how the same tree is perceived differently, symbolizing romantic disillusionment.
- British vs. French stereotypes in early 20th century JapanThe story reflects a common Japanese perception at the time: Britain as practical and dull, France as romantic and artistic. The painter's journey mirrors this cultural dichotomy.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhy did the young painter initially dislike the horse chestnut tree in London?
- Because he found it ugly and boring, representing England.
- Because it reminded him of his girlfriend in Paris.
- Because it was too tall and blocked his view.
- Because it reminded him of the boring English countryside.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipFocus on the contrast between the painter's words and his actions to understand his internal conflict.
Topics & grammar
Topics & grammar
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