It tells the story of Melos, a young shepherd who believes in friendship and runs for his life to fulfill his promise to an evil king. He runs as fast as he can under desperate circumstances to get his sister married and, above all, to keep his promise to his friend.
The story is inspired by ancient Roman folklore and depicts universal themes such as friendship and hope. Compared to other works by Osamu Dazai, the lighter tone and pure heart of the characters may seem strange to some, but that's also what makes it so compelling. While Osamu Dazai's works are usually full of dark themes and complex psychological descriptions, this one shines like a ray of light.
At the heart of this story is the power of friendship. The bond between Melos and Selinuntius is as if they are united by fortitude. The power of friendship and the depths of the human heart are beautifully expressed as Melos holds Selinuntius hostage and tries to fulfill his promise to the king. We can learn from Melos' actions that friendship is not just a feeling, but something that is proven through action.
In addition, the story talks about hope. In a desperate situation, Melos runs on, holding in his heart the hope of fulfilling the promise he made to his friend. It gives us the courage to live. This attitude of not losing hope and facing up to any challenge is an important message for us today.
The story itself is simple, but it is filled with deep themes. Friendship, hope, betrayal, and the darkness and light of the human heart. These themes make readers think about different things and evoke empathy. By comparing this work with other works by Osamu Dazai, we can also discover more of its appeal. For example, comparing it with the author's No Longer Human, the contrast between the main character's despair and hope is highlighted.
Run Melos is a moving story that teaches us the importance of friendship, but at the same time, I felt that it reflects the author's complex inner life.