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From the foregoing analysis, it becomes evident that Katai did indeed adopt a portion of Hauptmann's principal theme of Einsame Menschen: "The contrast and tension between the natural and the unnatural, with a strong implication that nature is best, or at least that it is preferable to follow nature." Katai differs noticeably from Hauptmann in his treatment of naturalistic philosophy by confining himself to "microcosm," whereas Hauptmann applies his new ideas to "macrocosm," and criticizes dogmatic Christianity through the tragedy brought about in the Vockerat family.
2. A Comparison of Characterizations
In this section we shall examine how the characters of Futon are related to the characters of Einsame Menschen, indicating their similarities and differences, after which we shall interpret reasons why Katai made changes.
The ensuing list of characters of Futon and Einsame Menschen suggests that their relationships in each story are nearly identical.
| Futon | Einsame Menschen | |
| Tokio Takenaka (hero) a novelist an individualist |
Johannes (John) Vockerat (hero) a philosopher an individualist | |
| Mrs. Takenaka wife of Tokio a traditional woman |
Käthe (Kitty) Vockerat wife of Johannes a traditional woman | |
| Yokoyama Yoshiko (heroine) a student |
Anna Mahr (heroine) a student | |
| Mr. & Mrs. Yokoyama Yoshiko's parents well-to-do provincial banker traditional and religious people |
Mr. & Mrs. Vockerat Johannes' parents well-to-do farmer traditional and religious people |
