It was pointed out, however, that a criticism against the Factory Act was submerged in 'Sansho Dayu,' so that some considered Ogai's self-commentaries to be deceptive means against censorship.
しかし、「山椒大夫」には工場法批判が潜められているという指摘から、鴎外の自作解説は検閲への目眩ましであろうとの見解も生まれた。