After viewing the film “Rashomon” by Kurosawa, compare it with both of Akutagawa’s stories, “In the
Grove” and “Rashomon” that we read and analyzed in class. Use the Chart of Literary Elements to help
you compare these works.
Take into account:
Do both works have the same characters? Which are different? For example, in the film, the Commoner to
whom the tale of the murder is told. If the main characters are the same, do they share the same traits?
For example, the Woodcutter.
The successive points of view, which are an integral part in both works, result in “stories” within the story.
However, there are differences in the film and the stories. Explain the differences and why Kurosawa
made these adaptations.
The plot is structured by successive points of view which keep changing the story. How does the film differ
from the story?
Sample Solution