2. Today we will be exploring the
traditional forms of Japanese
poetry: haiku and tanka.
3. 01
03
02
To introduce the student to the main differences
between Haikus and Tankas, including their
structure, history, and cultural significance.
To provide examples of both Haikus and Tankas to
showcase their unique qualities.
To explore the ways in which Haikus and Tankas
differ in terms of their themes, emotions, and
imagery.
4. A haiku is a form of Japanese poetry
consisting of three lines. The first and
third lines contain five syllables, while the
second line contains seven syllables.
Traditionally, haikus focus on nature and
the changing of the seasons, but modern
haikus can explore any topic.
5. While figurative language is not typically
used in the traditional form of Haiku, it is
not uncommon to see contemporary
poets incorporate similes, metaphors,
and other figurative language
techniques in their modern
Haiku compositions.
Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese
poetry that is characterized by its brevity
and focus on nature.
6. Autumn leaves fall fast
Like fireworks at a festival
Nature's celebration
When using figurative
language in Haiku...
it is important to remember to keep the poem
concise and to focus on the natural world as
seen below:
In this example, the leaves falling are compared to
fireworks, creating a vivid, explosion of color in the
reader's mind. This adds depth and complexity to
the poem, while still maintaining the traditional
Haiku structure and focus on nature.
7. A Tanka poem is a traditional Japanese poem
that consists of five lines. It is similar to a
Haiku, but with two additional lines.
The first three lines of a Tanka poem contain
five syllables, then seven syllables, and finally
five syllables again for the last two lines.
8. Tanka poems are often written about
nature and emotions, and they are
meant to evoke a feeling or image in the
reader's mind. The poem can be read
vertically or horizontally, and it is often
accompanied by a painting or drawing.
Tanka poems are often written about
nature and emotions, and they are
meant to evoke a feeling or image in
the reader's mind.
9. Cherry blossoms bloom
Pink petals dance in the wind
Life's fleeting beauty
Reminding us to cherish
Each moment, before it's gone
Figurative language
use in Tanka...
In this tanka poem, cherry
blossoms are used as a symbol
for the beauty and transience of
life. The delicate pink petals
represent the fleeting nature of
our existence, reminding us to
appreciate each
moment before it passes.
The wind is also symbolic,
representing the passage of time
and the inevitability of change.
Overall, the poem encourages us
to treasure the present and
embrace life which is fleeting.
Like many other forms of poetry, tanka often
employs figurative language to convey
meaning and create vivid imagery as seen
below:
10. Haiku focuses on a single moment in nature, and
the use of concrete sensory images, to convey a
feeling or emotion.
Where Japanese haiku uses cutting words such as
ka, keri, ya, to create a juxtaposition between two
images or ideas, in the English language, this
technique is often achieved by using a
punctuation mark, such as a dash or ellipsis.
11. In this haiku, the dash after "sunset" creates
a pause or break in the poem, which
emphasizes the contrast between the
serenity of the sunset with the freedom, and
earthly beauty of the butterfly: both
symbolizing a new journey.
The cutting word helps to create a sense of
surprise or realization for the reader, and
adds to the overall impact of the poem.
Summer Sunset–
a butterfly flits quietly
into the meadow.
12. Tanka poems often have a more personal
or emotional focus than haikus, and they
can include metaphors, similes, and other
literary devices.
While tankas also often focus on nature, they
can be more expansive than haikus and may
explore a wider range of themes.
