作品Free Graded Reading
双生児The Twins
Sōseiji
by 江戸川 乱歩 · Edogawa Ranpo
Twins caught in a web of mystery and murder.
About this story
About this storyA death row inmate confesses to murder and theft, hinting at an even darker secret.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in JapaneseWhat you'll learn
What you'll learnThe narrator, a death row inmate, begins his confession to a visitor (先生). He explains his decision to reveal a hidden crime: killing his identical twin brother and assuming his identity. He describes being haunted by his brother's ghost and his fear of mirrors and reflections. He then details his motive, the planning, and the execution of the murder.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 白状 (はくじょう) | confession |
|---|---|
| 千金 (せんきん) | a thousand gold pieces; immense weight |
| 自暴自棄 (じぼうじき) | desperation; self-abandonment |
| 執念 (しゅうねん) | obsession; persistent attachment |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～て了う N4Indicates completion of an action, often with a sense of regret or finality.早く心にあることを喋って了って、せめて死ぬ迄の数日を安らかに送り度いと思います。
- ～より他ない N2Means 'there is no choice but to ~' or 'must ~'.そういう訳で、私は兄の所へ無心に行くより仕方がないのでした。
- ～てやまない N1Indicates a strong, continuing feeling (usually of hope, love, etc.).私はこのすばらしい考えに有頂天になりました。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- 双生児（双子）Twins, especially identical twins, appear often in Japanese literature as symbols of duality and identity. This story explores the psychological horror of being indistinguishable from one's twin.
- 死刑囚の告白Death row confessions are a common literary trope in Japan, often used to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition. This story is a first-person narrative from a condemned prisoner.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat is the narrator's main reason for confessing his hidden crime?
- He wants to be forgiven by his brother's ghost.
- He hopes to reduce his sentence.
- He wants his wife to know the truth.
- He is proud of his crime.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to the use of first-person pronouns like '私' (watashi) and the polite 'ます/です' forms, which indicate the narrator is addressing a listener respectfully.
Topics & grammar
Topics & grammar
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