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Tokio's above outburst discloses in a sudden flash the potential theme of Futon: a mentor falls in love as others do, and if a mentor falls in love with his pupil, how can love be prohibited between them? This statement contains all that is required for a theme: characters, conflict and conclusion. The question that should be asked now is whether this tentative theme is justified by the rest of the story of Futon or not. All indications lead us to conclude this is the theme of Futon.
Our next step is to evaluate to what extent Katai adopted the theme of Hauptmann's Einsame Menschen in his Futon. On the surface these two themes appear to embody different conceptions, but careful examination indicates that they are in reality closely attuned to each other. The ensuing comment by Johannes to Anna gives a clue to this similarity.
John: . . . And is one really to sacrifice everything that one gained to this cursed conventionality? Are people incapable of understanding that there can be no crime in a situation which only tends to make both parties better and nobler? Do parents lose by their son becoming a better, wiser man? Does a wife lose by the spiritual growth of her husband?[1]
Is this comment by Johannes in accord with the convictions of Tokio: "Nonsense! How can love discriminate between a mentor and his pupil!"?[2] Yes, it is. Both statements were made by married men who believe in new theories of a naturalistic philosophy which does not inhibit friendship with another woman, and who are attempting to destroy the conventional conception which disapproves of their opinions.
