DEJ+-+Riowena

Passage:

The world “no longer tottered precariously beneath his feet, now anchored in the land, (98) Thus Ryuji felt.

Response:

This passage reflects the apparent resolution of Ryuji’s inner conflict in regards to his sense of belonging as he begins a new life with Fusako Kuroda. Prior to being in a relationship with Fusako, Ryuji’s world is portrayed as “totter[ing] precariously” beneath him, emphasizing the instability and insecurity that Ryuji once felt. Uncomfortable with living on both land and the the sea, Ryuji’s lost his sense of belonging in the world, and does not find it until he begins his relationship with Fusako. The description of world shaking beneath Ryuji’s very feet alludes to the rocking of a ship on a restless sea, and by “no longer” feeling the instability of his world, there is a transition from Ryuji’s life as a sailor to a newfound life “anchored in the land”. “Anchored” is a reference to an object found on a ship, creating an ironical situation as despite leaving the sea in favor the the stability he now finds on land, a sea reference is used to depict Ryuji’s new security and sense of belonging. Nonetheless, it is still evident that under the influence of his love for Fusako, Ryuji is finally able to choose between his two worlds of the sea and the land, ending his inner turmoil as he finds where he thinks he belongs in his love for another person.