Run, Melos! and Other Stories

The stories feel so thematically connected yet diverse. I wonder what guided his selection process and whether he intended these to be read together.

The stories evoke such a somber tone that I wondered if Dazai aimed to evoke empathy or reflection on life's fleeting nature.

These themes resonate so strongly, especially in a Japanese cultural context. I'm curious about what personal or cultural influences shaped these choices.