Excessive Speculation Part 4: Noie Hoshino's "Parasite": "Inside the Mask of a 'Good Wife'"

Does not having a 'blood connection' make a person feel this insecure? I was thinking about things like that while reading the story titled 'Parasite.' The protagonist, Tetsuro, is a man who works diligently as a construction site supervisor. Although he has built up trust at the company run by his father-in-law, he is keenly aware that as long as his wife, Aoi, and his brother-in-law, Yutaka, who are 'blood relatives,' are around, he will always be an 'outsider.' That feeling is brought to the surface all at once when his father-in-law collapses.

The depiction of Tetsuro is very realistic, and there were many scenes I could empathize with. Seeing him wake up earlier than anyone else every morning to go to work, and going through his daily routine calmly while being considerate of his wife, felt like watching an actual office worker somewhere. However, the sense of emptiness he carries—the feeling that 'even if I try, it might not pay off'—is something that hits home for anyone who takes their work and family life seriously. In particular, the line, 'At least let me have it in my dreams,' left an impression on me. When people can no longer find hope in reality, perhaps they want to escape into their dreams.

On the other hand, in the second chapter, which shifts to the perspective of his wife, Aoi, a completely different world unfolds. Following a reunion with her college friend Saori, she reignites the 'jealousy' and 'obsession' that had been sleeping deep within her heart. It was Saori, who used to be plain, who had obtained the 'glamorous life in Tokyo' that Aoi had once desired. That fact stimulates the inferiority complex that had been smoldering inside Aoi for years.

The 'mysterious man in black' who appears in this chapter brings elements of fantasy and horror to the story. He sets his sights on Aoi's 'thoughts' and asks her what she wishes for. Even Aoi, who acted tough at first, is gradually drawn into a deal where she 'loses something in exchange for gaining something,' and the way it happens is like a pact with the devil, which gave me the chills. I, as a reader, even found myself pondering, 'What would my wish be?'

In the third chapter, as the death of her father-in-law approaches, Aoi's 'abnormality' begins in earnest. Aoi, who appeared in the hospital room, was wearing a bright red dress that was by no means appropriate for a funeral, and she looked like a completely different person. Her behavior, as if she had intentionally worn the color her father hated, sent a chill down my spine as a reader. Even in the struggle over the position of chief mourner, her words and actions had already deviated from 'Aoi-ness.'

In the funeral scene in the fourth chapter, Aoi wore a formal mourning dress perfectly, and her demeanor was enough to catch everyone's eye. However, within those actions, there was an eerie 'confidence' rather than sorrow or pathos. She was now about to start some kind of new life, triggered by her father's death—that kind of danger was seeping out. It is no wonder that the people around her all felt that 'something was wrong.'

This work does not just depict a family inheritance dispute or a rift between a husband and wife. Rather, it seems to depict the terror of 'parasitism'—the way things creep into the 'gaps in people's hearts,' whether they are other people's words, desires, or mysterious thoughts. And it teaches us that such parasitism can happen in anyone's heart.

It also became an opportunity for me to re-examine, 'What is my own wish?' Even if a dream comes true, if I have to lose something in exchange for it, would I still want it? I felt it was a deep, terrifying, and beautiful story that poses such questions.

Excessive Speculation

Aoi's favorite food is 'lemon tart'

■ Why a lemon tart?

When I suddenly wondered what Aoi's favorite food might be, the first thing that came to mind was 'lemon tart.' That confection, which is small, lovely, sweet, yet leaves a sharp acidity on the tongue, somehow overlaps with the impression I have of her.

In the story, Aoi is depicted as a 'modest and sensible wife.' She does her housework properly, is considerate of those around her, and never loses her composure. Yet, contrary to that polished exterior, jealousy, inferiority, and a craving for approval were always swirling in her heart. As a food that symbolizes such duality, I feel that a lemon tart suits her perfectly.

For example, that sweet and sour taste. The moment you put it in your mouth, it is fluffy and gentle, but the acidity of the lemon immediately stimulates your tongue with a sting. That feeling is just like the cold gaze that Aoi, who usually never stops smiling, shows in an unexpected moment.

And, the neat appearance. The beautifully baked edge of the tart, the glossy yellow filling. It looks as if it reflects the figure of her who has tried so hard to be a 'proper wife.'

Furthermore, a lemon tart is a confection that takes time and effort. Resting the tart dough, carefully rolling it out and baking it, and then boiling down the lemon-flavored cream. I feel that the time and effort she has accumulated to be seen as a 'good wife' and a 'good daughter' overlaps with that process.

If someone were to ask her what her favorite food was, I think she might answer, 'I suppose it's lemon tart,' after a slight pause. While smiling lightly, but hiding some complex feelings deep behind that smile.

I have written my impressions of Noie Hoshino's "Parasite."
Thank you very much.