This document provides an overview of Japanese literature through different periods of history. It begins with an ancient period featuring works like Kojiki and Nihongi. A golden classical period saw the rise of novels like The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book written by court ladies. The medieval period was influenced by Zen Buddhism and featured travel diaries. Major works continued to emerge through the Edo, Meiji, postwar, and contemporary eras as Western influences integrated with traditional Japanese styles and genres like haiku, manga, and drama. The document traces the evolution of Japanese literature in tandem with the country's historical developments.
Japanese literature has a long history dating back to the Yamato/Kofun period in the 3rd-8th centuries CE. Major developments include the introduction of Chinese writing, Buddhism, and Confucianism during this time. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, is considered the world's first novel and provides insights into aristocratic Heian period culture and society. Traditional Japanese genres that developed include haiku poetry, Noh drama, and Kabuki theater. Modern Japanese media like anime and films continue to be influenced by traditional literary and artistic forms.
This document provides information about Japanese literature and poetry forms through multiple sections:
1. It discusses the history of writing in Japan, including the adoption of Chinese characters and the development of hiragana, katakana, and kanji scripts.
2. Sections are dedicated to various traditional Japanese art forms like theater, music, tea ceremonies, and others.
3. Details are given about the history and typical structure of haiku poetry, including its origins and popular themes focused on nature.
4. The significant haiku poet Basho Matsuo is discussed for establishing haiku as an independent art form and wandering the countryside for inspiration.
5. Several examples of Basho
Early Japanese literature was heavily influenced by Chinese literature and Buddhism. Notable early works included the Kojiki and Nihongi chronicles from the 8th century CE. During the Heian period, the Tale of Genji was written and became a masterpiece. Later medieval literature included war tales and histories. The Edo period saw the development of many genres. The Meiji period brought Western influences as Japan modernized. Post-war literature explored defeat in World War II and its aftermath, while contemporary works cover diverse social and political issues.
The document provides background information on the history and development of haiku poetry in Japan. It discusses how haiku evolved from renga, a longer collaborative poem format, and how the hokku or first verse came to be published as independent poems. It also describes haiku master Matsuo Basho and his famous 17-syllable haiku about an old pond, which is considered the best known example of the form.
Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was a Japanese poet from the late Asuka period who is famous for long poems about nature. Japanese literature can be divided into four main periods: ancient literature before writing was introduced, classical literature from the Heian period, medieval literature during civil wars, and early modern literature during the Tokugawa period. Much early Japanese poetry was influenced by Chinese poetry from the Tang Dynasty. World War II and Japan's defeat deeply impacted Japanese literature, as many authors wrote about loss, disaffection, and coping with defeat in the postwar period.
Japanese literature spans almost two millennia and evolved significantly over time. It was initially influenced by Chinese literature but developed a distinct style. The earliest works were the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles in the 8th century, while the 11th century Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu is considered a masterpiece. Medieval literature reflected Zen Buddhism and the rise of warriors. Popular genres like kabuki drama flourished in the Edo period alongside haiku and novels. The Meiji period saw Western influences and debate over the modernization of language in literature.
This document discusses Zoilo Galang, the author of the story "A Child of Sorrow". It provides biographical details of Galang's life and education. It also summarizes the plot of "A Child of Sorrow", including the inciting incident where the main character Lucio meets Rosa, and the resolution where both Lucio's father and Rosa die, leaving him in sorrow. The document analyzes how Galang's own life influenced his novel, including his focus on provincial life and the oppression of Filipinos in society.
Japanese literature has a long history dating back to the Yamato/Kofun period in the 3rd-8th centuries CE. Major developments include the introduction of Chinese writing, Buddhism, and Confucianism during this time. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, is considered the world's first novel and provides insights into aristocratic Heian period culture and society. Traditional Japanese genres that developed include haiku poetry, Noh drama, and Kabuki theater. Modern Japanese media like anime and films continue to be influenced by traditional literary and artistic forms.
This document provides information about Japanese literature and poetry forms through multiple sections:
1. It discusses the history of writing in Japan, including the adoption of Chinese characters and the development of hiragana, katakana, and kanji scripts.
2. Sections are dedicated to various traditional Japanese art forms like theater, music, tea ceremonies, and others.
3. Details are given about the history and typical structure of haiku poetry, including its origins and popular themes focused on nature.
4. The significant haiku poet Basho Matsuo is discussed for establishing haiku as an independent art form and wandering the countryside for inspiration.
5. Several examples of Basho
Early Japanese literature was heavily influenced by Chinese literature and Buddhism. Notable early works included the Kojiki and Nihongi chronicles from the 8th century CE. During the Heian period, the Tale of Genji was written and became a masterpiece. Later medieval literature included war tales and histories. The Edo period saw the development of many genres. The Meiji period brought Western influences as Japan modernized. Post-war literature explored defeat in World War II and its aftermath, while contemporary works cover diverse social and political issues.
The document provides background information on the history and development of haiku poetry in Japan. It discusses how haiku evolved from renga, a longer collaborative poem format, and how the hokku or first verse came to be published as independent poems. It also describes haiku master Matsuo Basho and his famous 17-syllable haiku about an old pond, which is considered the best known example of the form.
Kakinomoto no Hitomaro was a Japanese poet from the late Asuka period who is famous for long poems about nature. Japanese literature can be divided into four main periods: ancient literature before writing was introduced, classical literature from the Heian period, medieval literature during civil wars, and early modern literature during the Tokugawa period. Much early Japanese poetry was influenced by Chinese poetry from the Tang Dynasty. World War II and Japan's defeat deeply impacted Japanese literature, as many authors wrote about loss, disaffection, and coping with defeat in the postwar period.
Japanese literature spans almost two millennia and evolved significantly over time. It was initially influenced by Chinese literature but developed a distinct style. The earliest works were the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles in the 8th century, while the 11th century Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu is considered a masterpiece. Medieval literature reflected Zen Buddhism and the rise of warriors. Popular genres like kabuki drama flourished in the Edo period alongside haiku and novels. The Meiji period saw Western influences and debate over the modernization of language in literature.
This document discusses Zoilo Galang, the author of the story "A Child of Sorrow". It provides biographical details of Galang's life and education. It also summarizes the plot of "A Child of Sorrow", including the inciting incident where the main character Lucio meets Rosa, and the resolution where both Lucio's father and Rosa die, leaving him in sorrow. The document analyzes how Galang's own life influenced his novel, including his focus on provincial life and the oppression of Filipinos in society.
Japan has a long history of unique cultural traditions that are reflected in its literature, art, and ceremonies. Japanese literature dates back to at least the 8th century AD and includes notable works like the Man'yoshu poetry anthology and Murasaki Shikibu's 11th century novel The Tale of Genji. Traditional Japanese ceremonies like the tea ceremony, weddings, and funerals follow customs that are deeply rooted in Japanese cultural heritage. Festivals also incorporate contests demonstrating artistic and literary skills that have been part of Japanese culture for centuries.
The document summarizes the plot and key elements of the short story "In A Grove" by Ryunosuke Akutagawa. It is told through a series of dramatic monologues by different witnesses attempting to determine who murdered a man found in the woods. Each witness provides a different account that further complicates the mystery of who the killer is. The plot thickens as more suspects emerge and motivations are questioned.
It is about the history of Japanese Literature. Literature made and its author, the books evolution, the kinds of books made long ago, and the trends before can be added towards your knowledge and learning.
Digital fiction takes many forms such as flash fiction, webisodics, blog fiction, SMS fiction, and more. It integrates various modes like visuals, text, sound and allows for interactivity, hypertextuality, and participation. Readers can shape the narrative through choices that determine the story's path. Some forms emphasize collaboration where readers comment and contribute to evolving stories. Digital fiction blurs boundaries between reading and writing.
Japan has a rich cultural history reflected in its styles, literature, and ceremonies. Traditional Japanese clothing like kimonos and yukatas are now typically worn only for special occasions. Japanese literature is one of the major literatures of the world and includes classic works like The Tale of Genji from the 11th century. Traditional ceremonies in Japan mark important life events from birth to death as well as seasonal festivals celebrating harvests.
This chapter summary provides background on the main characters introduced in Chapter 1 of the novel "A Child of Sorrow" by Zoilo Galang. Lucio Soliman, the protagonist, travels with his friend Camilo to spend their vacation in Merry Town. There they meet Rosa Garcia, the beautiful daughter of Felipa-On, and Lucio's poetic spirit is aroused. The chapter also mentions other characters like Governor Don Pancho Ismael and Juan dela Cruz who will likely play roles in the story.
The document discusses various definitions and perspectives on what constitutes literature. It examines definitions focused on written works with artistic value, bodies of writing from a culture/time period, and writings on a particular subject. The document also explores whether genres like advertisements, comics, or pulp fiction can be considered literature. Several authors weigh in on defining literature based on qualities like originality, craftsmanship, psychological truth, and understanding of moral values. Debates addressed include whether literature must be imaginative or fictional versus realistic, and the relationship between literature and understanding human nature.
Japan has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditional styles of clothing like kimonos and yukatas, architecture and gardens, and literature. Some key aspects of Japanese culture mentioned include the 11th century novel The Tale of Genji, considered the earliest novel ever written; haiku and Noh drama as influential literary genres; and traditional ceremonies like weddings, births and tea ceremonies that are still practiced today with cultural significance. Festivals also involve contests demonstrating skills in athletics, poetry and art.
Philippine Literature during the American Period (Group 4)Giancarlo Trani
Philippine literature during the American period from 1900-1941 saw the development of writing in Spanish, Tagalog, and English. Notable writers emerged in each language and explored themes of nationalism, freedom, and anti-colonialism. Newspapers also proliferated during this time, with some of the earliest including El Grito del Pueblo, El Nuevo Dia, and Manila Daily Bulletin. Literature was influenced by growing American presence through new education systems and the spread of the English language. Overall, this period marked the transition of Philippine literature across different mediums and languages.
This document provides an overview of Japan, including its flag, geography, population, climate, culture, and traditions. The Japanese flag features a red circle representing the sun on a white background, symbolizing peace and honesty. Japan consists of several thousand islands including Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. The country has over 125 million residents and experiences frequent earthquakes. Japanese culture incorporates Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as seasonal festivals and weddings involving both traditional and modern customs.
The document discusses different types of lyric poetry including Italian or Petrarchan sonnets which are divided into an octave stanza and sextet stanza, Shakespearean or Spenserian sonnets which are divided into three quatrains and a couplet, elegies which express grief and death, odes which express noble feelings with no definite structure, psalms which praise God or Mary, awit songs which have 12 syllable measures and are sung to guitar, and corridos which have 8 syllable measures and are recited to a beat. The document was presented by Princess Adelane Gonzales and expresses gratitude at the end.
This document provides an overview of 21st century literature from the Philippines and the world. It discusses the goals of appreciating and critically studying literature from various genres and time periods. It then covers the definition of literature and its essence and significance. The document proceeds to outline different literary types such as prose, poetry, and drama. It also summarizes the various periods of Philippine literature from pre-Hispanic to contemporary times.
Japan is also known as the Land of the Rising Sun. Its capital city is Tokyo. The four main forms of Japanese poetry are kanshi, waka, tanka, and haiku. Haiku are 3-line verses with a 5-7-5 pattern. The periods of Japanese literature include the Nara, Heian, Cloistered Rule, Kamakura, Nanboku-cho, Sengoku, and Pre-Modern periods. The Nara period established the Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara by order of Emperor Shomu.
This document provides a historical overview of Philippine literature from 1898-1980, dividing it into several periods:
- American Period (1898-1941): Literature was written primarily in English as the country adjusted to American rule. Writers imitated American styles before finding their own voice.
- Japanese Period (1941-1945): Literature development was interrupted as writing in English halted under Japanese occupation. Writers turned to Filipino languages.
- Post-War Period (1946-1970): Literature revived in both English and Filipino. Writers addressed themes of nationalism, poverty, and resistance during the war.
- Period of Activism (1970-1972): Youth activism led to works criticizing society and government, with some writers
Philippine Literature Under The RepublicCasey Miras
This document provides biographical information on several Filipino authors who were writing during the period of 1946-1985 in the Philippines. It discusses the works and themes of authors such as Alberto S. Florentino, known for his play "The World is an Apple" which portrayed the struggles of everyday Filipinos. It also mentions Macario Pineda, a Tagalog fiction writer who wrote short stories set in the Philippine countryside, and Alejandro Abadilla, referred to as the "father of modern Philippine poetry" who challenged traditional forms. The document summarizes novels by Genoveva Matute and Francisco Arcellana that focused on issues of land reform and peasant struggles. Emmanuel Torres' poetry collection "
Literature can be divided into two main categories - prose and poetry. Prose includes several genres such as novels, short stories, biographies and journals. Poetry has many forms like lyrics, epics, elegies and satires which can be further broken down by type and variation. The document outlines the different branches, genres and subdivisions that literature encompasses.
The story follows a teenage boy in 1930s Philippines who buys pandesal (bread of salt) every morning from a bakery near the house of his classmate Aida, of whom he has grown fond. He joins a private band in hopes of earning money to buy Aida a gift. However, during a performance, he embarrasses himself in front of Aida. Humiliated, he realizes he is still too immature to face reality, like the pandesal that is not yet ready in the bakery. The story explores themes of young love across social classes and the boy's coming of age.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain which elevate mood and reduce stress levels.
Singaporean literature comprises literary works in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil by Singaporeans. It is considered a distinct body of literature portraying Singapore society. While some writers have contributed works in multiple languages, literature from Singapore is now generally considered to have four sub-literatures based on language. Singaporean literature in English began with the Straits-born Chinese community in the colonial era and gained prominence after independence in 1965 led by writers like Edwin Thumboo. Poetry has been the dominant genre of Singaporean literature in English. In recent decades, many new poets have emerged while fiction and drama have also grown.
Japanese literature ( by group 2 , 12- Modeller in 21st century)angeloganitnit
This document provides a summary of the history of Japanese literature from early writings through modern times. It discusses how early Japanese texts were influenced by Chinese models and transitioned to a hybrid style. It highlights the Heian period as a golden age of art and literature dominated by aristocratic poetry. Subsequent periods saw the development of warrior tales, histories, drama, and the rise of popular forms. The document outlines significant authors and works through different historical periods and genres.
Japan has a long history of unique cultural traditions that are reflected in its literature, art, and ceremonies. Japanese literature dates back to at least the 8th century AD and includes notable works like the Man'yoshu poetry anthology and Murasaki Shikibu's 11th century novel The Tale of Genji. Traditional Japanese ceremonies like the tea ceremony, weddings, and funerals follow customs that are deeply rooted in Japanese cultural heritage. Festivals also incorporate contests demonstrating artistic and literary skills that have been part of Japanese culture for centuries.
The document summarizes the plot and key elements of the short story "In A Grove" by Ryunosuke Akutagawa. It is told through a series of dramatic monologues by different witnesses attempting to determine who murdered a man found in the woods. Each witness provides a different account that further complicates the mystery of who the killer is. The plot thickens as more suspects emerge and motivations are questioned.
It is about the history of Japanese Literature. Literature made and its author, the books evolution, the kinds of books made long ago, and the trends before can be added towards your knowledge and learning.
Digital fiction takes many forms such as flash fiction, webisodics, blog fiction, SMS fiction, and more. It integrates various modes like visuals, text, sound and allows for interactivity, hypertextuality, and participation. Readers can shape the narrative through choices that determine the story's path. Some forms emphasize collaboration where readers comment and contribute to evolving stories. Digital fiction blurs boundaries between reading and writing.
Japan has a rich cultural history reflected in its styles, literature, and ceremonies. Traditional Japanese clothing like kimonos and yukatas are now typically worn only for special occasions. Japanese literature is one of the major literatures of the world and includes classic works like The Tale of Genji from the 11th century. Traditional ceremonies in Japan mark important life events from birth to death as well as seasonal festivals celebrating harvests.
This chapter summary provides background on the main characters introduced in Chapter 1 of the novel "A Child of Sorrow" by Zoilo Galang. Lucio Soliman, the protagonist, travels with his friend Camilo to spend their vacation in Merry Town. There they meet Rosa Garcia, the beautiful daughter of Felipa-On, and Lucio's poetic spirit is aroused. The chapter also mentions other characters like Governor Don Pancho Ismael and Juan dela Cruz who will likely play roles in the story.
The document discusses various definitions and perspectives on what constitutes literature. It examines definitions focused on written works with artistic value, bodies of writing from a culture/time period, and writings on a particular subject. The document also explores whether genres like advertisements, comics, or pulp fiction can be considered literature. Several authors weigh in on defining literature based on qualities like originality, craftsmanship, psychological truth, and understanding of moral values. Debates addressed include whether literature must be imaginative or fictional versus realistic, and the relationship between literature and understanding human nature.
Japan has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditional styles of clothing like kimonos and yukatas, architecture and gardens, and literature. Some key aspects of Japanese culture mentioned include the 11th century novel The Tale of Genji, considered the earliest novel ever written; haiku and Noh drama as influential literary genres; and traditional ceremonies like weddings, births and tea ceremonies that are still practiced today with cultural significance. Festivals also involve contests demonstrating skills in athletics, poetry and art.
Philippine Literature during the American Period (Group 4)Giancarlo Trani
Philippine literature during the American period from 1900-1941 saw the development of writing in Spanish, Tagalog, and English. Notable writers emerged in each language and explored themes of nationalism, freedom, and anti-colonialism. Newspapers also proliferated during this time, with some of the earliest including El Grito del Pueblo, El Nuevo Dia, and Manila Daily Bulletin. Literature was influenced by growing American presence through new education systems and the spread of the English language. Overall, this period marked the transition of Philippine literature across different mediums and languages.
This document provides an overview of Japan, including its flag, geography, population, climate, culture, and traditions. The Japanese flag features a red circle representing the sun on a white background, symbolizing peace and honesty. Japan consists of several thousand islands including Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. The country has over 125 million residents and experiences frequent earthquakes. Japanese culture incorporates Shinto and Buddhist traditions as well as seasonal festivals and weddings involving both traditional and modern customs.
The document discusses different types of lyric poetry including Italian or Petrarchan sonnets which are divided into an octave stanza and sextet stanza, Shakespearean or Spenserian sonnets which are divided into three quatrains and a couplet, elegies which express grief and death, odes which express noble feelings with no definite structure, psalms which praise God or Mary, awit songs which have 12 syllable measures and are sung to guitar, and corridos which have 8 syllable measures and are recited to a beat. The document was presented by Princess Adelane Gonzales and expresses gratitude at the end.
This document provides an overview of 21st century literature from the Philippines and the world. It discusses the goals of appreciating and critically studying literature from various genres and time periods. It then covers the definition of literature and its essence and significance. The document proceeds to outline different literary types such as prose, poetry, and drama. It also summarizes the various periods of Philippine literature from pre-Hispanic to contemporary times.
Japan is also known as the Land of the Rising Sun. Its capital city is Tokyo. The four main forms of Japanese poetry are kanshi, waka, tanka, and haiku. Haiku are 3-line verses with a 5-7-5 pattern. The periods of Japanese literature include the Nara, Heian, Cloistered Rule, Kamakura, Nanboku-cho, Sengoku, and Pre-Modern periods. The Nara period established the Great Buddha at Todai-ji temple in Nara by order of Emperor Shomu.
This document provides a historical overview of Philippine literature from 1898-1980, dividing it into several periods:
- American Period (1898-1941): Literature was written primarily in English as the country adjusted to American rule. Writers imitated American styles before finding their own voice.
- Japanese Period (1941-1945): Literature development was interrupted as writing in English halted under Japanese occupation. Writers turned to Filipino languages.
- Post-War Period (1946-1970): Literature revived in both English and Filipino. Writers addressed themes of nationalism, poverty, and resistance during the war.
- Period of Activism (1970-1972): Youth activism led to works criticizing society and government, with some writers
Philippine Literature Under The RepublicCasey Miras
This document provides biographical information on several Filipino authors who were writing during the period of 1946-1985 in the Philippines. It discusses the works and themes of authors such as Alberto S. Florentino, known for his play "The World is an Apple" which portrayed the struggles of everyday Filipinos. It also mentions Macario Pineda, a Tagalog fiction writer who wrote short stories set in the Philippine countryside, and Alejandro Abadilla, referred to as the "father of modern Philippine poetry" who challenged traditional forms. The document summarizes novels by Genoveva Matute and Francisco Arcellana that focused on issues of land reform and peasant struggles. Emmanuel Torres' poetry collection "
Literature can be divided into two main categories - prose and poetry. Prose includes several genres such as novels, short stories, biographies and journals. Poetry has many forms like lyrics, epics, elegies and satires which can be further broken down by type and variation. The document outlines the different branches, genres and subdivisions that literature encompasses.
The story follows a teenage boy in 1930s Philippines who buys pandesal (bread of salt) every morning from a bakery near the house of his classmate Aida, of whom he has grown fond. He joins a private band in hopes of earning money to buy Aida a gift. However, during a performance, he embarrasses himself in front of Aida. Humiliated, he realizes he is still too immature to face reality, like the pandesal that is not yet ready in the bakery. The story explores themes of young love across social classes and the boy's coming of age.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive function. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain which elevate mood and reduce stress levels.
Singaporean literature comprises literary works in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil by Singaporeans. It is considered a distinct body of literature portraying Singapore society. While some writers have contributed works in multiple languages, literature from Singapore is now generally considered to have four sub-literatures based on language. Singaporean literature in English began with the Straits-born Chinese community in the colonial era and gained prominence after independence in 1965 led by writers like Edwin Thumboo. Poetry has been the dominant genre of Singaporean literature in English. In recent decades, many new poets have emerged while fiction and drama have also grown.
Japanese literature ( by group 2 , 12- Modeller in 21st century)angeloganitnit
This document provides a summary of the history of Japanese literature from early writings through modern times. It discusses how early Japanese texts were influenced by Chinese models and transitioned to a hybrid style. It highlights the Heian period as a golden age of art and literature dominated by aristocratic poetry. Subsequent periods saw the development of warrior tales, histories, drama, and the rise of popular forms. The document outlines significant authors and works through different historical periods and genres.
This document provides an overview of literature from the continent of Asia. It discusses the major literary traditions and histories from regions across Asia, including East Asia (China, Korea, Japan), the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, noting influential authors and works. For each region, important texts and representative authors are highlighted, such as Li Po, Du Fu, and Wang Wei from China, Ch'oe Nam-Seon and Yi Kwang-su from Korea, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Yukio Mishima, and Haruki Murakami from Japan, Taha Hussein and Adonis from the Middle East, and Rabindranath Tagore from India. The document emphasizes that Asian literature
This presentation tackles about Asian Literature, more specifically, about Japan Literature. It discusses more about the literature that is made every period.
1. The modern Japanese writing system uses three scripts: kanji (Chinese characters), hiragana (for native words), and katakana (for foreign words).
2. Classical Japanese literature is traditionally divided into four periods: Jōdai (Antiquity), Chūko (Middle Antiquity), Chūsei (Middle Ages), and Kinsei (Recent Past).
3. The oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry is the Man'yōshū compiled in the 8th century, which contains poems reflecting both Confucian/Taoist and Buddhist themes and helped develop the kana writing system.
1. Japan had no original writing system and adopted Chinese characters in the 5th century through immigrants from Korea and China. (2) Literature first imitated Chinese models and transitioned to a hybrid style written in Japanese syntax. (3) The Heian period saw the growth of an artistic elite and court-patronized poetry that was sophisticated and expressed emotions rhetorically.
This document provides an overview of Japanese literature, covering major genres and time periods. It discusses how Japanese literature evolved from ancient works like the Kojiki and Nihongi, through the classical Heian period works of Man'yoshu and Genji Monogatari. Major periods discussed include the medieval, Edo, Meiji, post-war, and contemporary eras. Notable authors highlighted include Murasaki Shikibu, Chikamatsu Monzaemon, and Kawabata Yusunari. The document also covers Japanese writing systems, poetry forms like tanka and haiku, drama genres like Noh and Kabuki, and haiku master Basho Matsuo.
This document provides an overview of Japanese literature, including its key characteristics and influences. It discusses the origins of Japanese writing and how poetry has always been highly revered in the culture. Various literary genres are examined, such as poetry forms like tanka, haiku, and renga. The prominent Heian period is described, along with notable works like The Pillow Book. Major periods of Japanese history are covered as well as the development of forms of drama like Noh plays, Bunraku puppetry, and Kabuki theater. Several major Japanese writers are profiled. The document concludes with assignments of specific poems and short stories for readers to examine Japanese literature further.
China has the largest population of any country and a long history of literature dating back over 3,000 years. Chinese literature exists in various genres and was influenced by other Asian cultures while also developing unique forms like classical poetry and plays. The Tang Dynasty in particular saw many renowned poets and works produced. Arthur Waley helped introduce Chinese and Japanese literature to Western audiences through his translations in the early 20th century.
This document provides an overview of representative texts and authors from Asia. It discusses the long literary traditions in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of Asia. For China, it highlights poets from the Tang Dynasty like Du Fu, Li Po, and Wang Wei. It also mentions the Nobel Prize winning author Mo Yan. For Korea, it discusses the poets Ch'oe Nam-Seon and Yi Kwang-su and how they helped pioneer modern Korean literature. For Japan, it outlines the traditions of haiku poetry and theater forms like Noh and Kabuki, and mentions influential authors like Abe Kobo, Mishima Yukio, Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, and Haruki Murakami.
This document provides an overview of Japanese literary genres, including examples. It discusses short stories, novels, non-fiction works like personal narratives, autobiographies and essays. It also covers drama genres like comedy and tragedy, as well as poetry, folk literature including fairy tales and myths, graphic novels, and more. A wide variety of authors and their works are exemplified for each genre.
This document discusses the notions of English literature and literature in English. It defines English literature as works written in England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and British colonies including the US. Literature in English refers more broadly to works written in English worldwide. The document then profiles three representatives of English multicultural literature: Kazuo Ishiguro, a British novelist born in Japan who writes novels set in the past; Salman Rushdie, a British Indian author known for novels set in India that provoked religious controversy; and Hanif Kureishi, a British-Pakistani playwright and novelist who wrote about the experience of being Pakistani in London in the 1980s.
This document provides an overview of 21st century literature from the Philippines and around the world. It discusses representative texts and authors from several regions in Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, and others. For each country or region, several influential authors are mentioned along with short summaries of some of their most notable works. The document aims to familiarize students with literary traditions and movements across Asia.
This document summarizes the history of Japanese literature from ancient mythology to modern novels. It outlines the major periods including early literature dominated by mythology and folktales reflecting Shinto beliefs and agrarian society. The classical Heian period saw the rise of elegant courtly works like Tale of Genji and Pillow Book. Medieval literature was shaped by warrior culture and the rise of the samurai class seen in works like Tale of the Heike. Popular urban literature known as gesaku emerged in the Edo period. Modern writers explored Westernization's influence on traditional Japanese values as seen in works by Natsume Sōseki and Yukio Mishima. Overall, Japanese literature offers insights into the country's
The document summarizes the history of Japanese literature from ancient times through the modern period. It discusses how the Japanese writing system developed using Chinese characters and two phonetic scripts (kana). Major literary periods and genres are outlined, including waka poetry, renga linked verse, gesaku frivolous works, and modern developments like naturalism and proletarian literature. The summary concludes that postwar Japanese literature has become diverse and focused on negotiating tradition and modernity.
1) Japanese literature spans almost 2 millennia and was initially influenced by Chinese literature.
2) The earliest works included the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles from the 8th century Nara period.
3) The Heian period saw the rise of novels like The Tale of Genji and Pillow Book as well as 31-syllable tanka poetry.
This document provides an overview of Japanese literature from ancient to modern times. It discusses major periods such as the Nara Period, Heian Period, and Edo Period. Literary works that emerged in these eras include The Tale of Genji novel, Pillow Book essays, Haiku poetry of Matsuo Basho, and Chikamatsu Monzaemon's joruri theater works. The document also briefly outlines religious influences on literature and defines characteristics of Haiku poetry and other Japanese literary forms.
Hello people! This handout introduces us to the world of England literature in the 20th century. Included also in the handout is a sample literary piece which is The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad
The document provides details of the Overbooked '16 Lit Quiz Finals, including the winners and format of the competition. It consisted of 3 rounds of 8 questions each with a written round in between. The questions covered topics related to famous novels and their authors, testing the participants' knowledge of English literature.
How to Manage Your Lost Opportunities in Odoo 17 CRMCeline George
Odoo 17 CRM allows us to track why we lose sales opportunities with "Lost Reasons." This helps analyze our sales process and identify areas for improvement. Here's how to configure lost reasons in Odoo 17 CRM
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
বাংলাদেশের অর্থনৈতিক সমীক্ষা ২০২৪ [Bangladesh Economic Review 2024 Bangla.pdf] কম্পিউটার , ট্যাব ও স্মার্ট ফোন ভার্সন সহ সম্পূর্ণ বাংলা ই-বুক বা pdf বই " সুচিপত্র ...বুকমার্ক মেনু 🔖 ও হাইপার লিংক মেনু 📝👆 যুক্ত ..
আমাদের সবার জন্য খুব খুব গুরুত্বপূর্ণ একটি বই ..বিসিএস, ব্যাংক, ইউনিভার্সিটি ভর্তি ও যে কোন প্রতিযোগিতা মূলক পরীক্ষার জন্য এর খুব ইম্পরট্যান্ট একটি বিষয় ...তাছাড়া বাংলাদেশের সাম্প্রতিক যে কোন ডাটা বা তথ্য এই বইতে পাবেন ...
তাই একজন নাগরিক হিসাবে এই তথ্য গুলো আপনার জানা প্রয়োজন ...।
বিসিএস ও ব্যাংক এর লিখিত পরীক্ষা ...+এছাড়া মাধ্যমিক ও উচ্চমাধ্যমিকের স্টুডেন্টদের জন্য অনেক কাজে আসবে ...
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17Celine George
An import error occurs when a program fails to import a module or library, disrupting its execution. In languages like Python, this issue arises when the specified module cannot be found or accessed, hindering the program's functionality. Resolving import errors is crucial for maintaining smooth software operation and uninterrupted development processes.
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...PECB
Denis is a dynamic and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a distinguished career spanning information systems analysis and technical project management. With a proven track record of spearheading the design and delivery of cutting-edge Information Management solutions, he has consistently elevated business operations, streamlined reporting functions, and maximized process efficiency.
Certified as an ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) Lead Implementer, Data Protection Officer, and Cyber Risks Analyst, Denis brings a heightened focus on data security, privacy, and cyber resilience to every endeavor.
His expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of reporting, database, and web development applications, underpinned by an exceptional grasp of data storage and virtualization technologies. His proficiency in application testing, database administration, and data cleansing ensures seamless execution of complex projects.
What sets Denis apart is his comprehensive understanding of Business and Systems Analysis technologies, honed through involvement in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). From meticulous requirements gathering to precise analysis, innovative design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and successful implementation, he has consistently delivered exceptional results.
Throughout his career, he has taken on multifaceted roles, from leading technical project management teams to owning solutions that drive operational excellence. His conscientious and proactive approach is unwavering, whether he is working independently or collaboratively within a team. His ability to connect with colleagues on a personal level underscores his commitment to fostering a harmonious and productive workplace environment.
Date: May 29, 2024
Tags: Information Security, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Artificial Intelligence, GDPR
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Assessment and Planning in Educational technology.pptxKavitha Krishnan
In an education system, it is understood that assessment is only for the students, but on the other hand, the Assessment of teachers is also an important aspect of the education system that ensures teachers are providing high-quality instruction to students. The assessment process can be used to provide feedback and support for professional development, to inform decisions about teacher retention or promotion, or to evaluate teacher effectiveness for accountability purposes.
Macroeconomics- Movie Location
This will be used as part of your Personal Professional Portfolio once graded.
Objective:
Prepare a presentation or a paper using research, basic comparative analysis, data organization and application of economic information. You will make an informed assessment of an economic climate outside of the United States to accomplish an entertainment industry objective.
2. brief
history
of
japan
Japan Literature is one of the major
literatures of the world comparable to
the English literature in age and variety.
Japan is known as Nippon or the Land
of the Rising Sun.
Japan Literature is divided into Four
Main Periods.
1. Ancient Period
2. Classical Period
3. Medieval Period
4. Modern Period
Edo Period
Meiji Period
Post-war Japan
Contemporary Literature
4. Classical Period
Also known as the Heian Period and considered to be the Golden
Era of Art and Literature.
Court ladies played a central role in developing literature.
Murasaki Shikibu wrote the 54 chapter novel “Genji Monotagari
(The Tale of Genji)”.
Sei Shonogan wrote “Makura no soshi (The Pillow Book)”.
5. Makura no soshi
(The Pillow Book)
Genji monogatari
(The Tale of Genji)
Man’yoshu
(Collection of Ten Thousand
Leaves)
6. Classical Period
• The imperial court patronized poets, many
whom were courtier and ladies-in-waiting.
• Editing anthologies is the past time.
• The poetry was elegant and sophisticated
and expressed emotions in a rhetorical
style.
• The Appearance of “Konjaku Monogatari
(Tales of Times Now Past)”.
7. Mediev
al
Period
• It is marked by the strong influence
of Zen Buddhism, and many writers
are priest, travelers, and ascetic
poets.
• From this period is notable for its
insight into life and death, simple
lifestyles, and seppuku.
8. • Tales of Heiki is an epic account of the
struggle between two clans for control of
Japan and the end of the 12th century.
• Other notable genre during this Period is
Noh.
9. Edo Period
• Also known as Togukawa Period.
• Popular drama was developed
which is called Kabuki.
• Chikamatsu Monzaemo – is a
kabuki dramatist and he became
popular at the end of the
seventeenth century.
10. Matsuo Basho
• He wrote Oku no Hosomichi, a
travel diary.
• He is the Japan most famous poet,
certainly its most famous haiku poet.
• He was considered as the Father of
Haiku.
11. Katsushika
Hokusai “Hokusai”
• Japan’s most famous woodblock print
artist.
• He also illustrated fiction as well as his
famous 36 Views of Mount Fuji.
• He was the first artist to use the term
'Manga’.
12.
13. Edo period
• Many genres of literature made their debut during the Edo
Period by a rising literacy rate among the growing population of
towns people as well as a development of lending libraries.
• The importation of Chinese vernacular fiction that proved the
greatest outside influence on the development of Early Modern
Japanese fiction.
• Genres included horror crime stories, morality stories, comedy,
and pornography – often accompanied by colorful woodcut
prints.
14. Meiji
Period
The Meiji Period marks the reopening of Japan
to the West, and a period of rapid
industrialization.
The introduction European literature brought
free verse into the poetic repertoire it become
widely used for longer works embodying new
intellectual themes.
Young Japanese prose writers and dramatist
struggle with the wall galaxy of new ideas and
artistic schools but novelists were the first to
assimilate some of this concept successfully.
15. Meiji
perio
d
Higuchi Ichiyo – a rare woman writer in this era. She wrote
stories on powerless women of this age in a simple style,
between literary and colloquial.
Izumi Kyoka – a favored disciple of Ozaki, pursued a flowing
elegant style and wrote early novels such as The Operating
Room (1895) in literary style and later ones including The Holy
Man of Mount Koya (1900) in colloquial language.
Mori Ogai introduced Romanticism (1889).
Mori also wrote some modern novels The Dancing Girl (1890),
and later wrote historical novels.
16. Meiji
peri
od
• Natsumi Soseki wrote the famous
novels Botchan (1906) and
Sanshiro (1908).
• In 1968, Kawabata Yasunari for his
narrative mastery which with the
great sensibility expresses the
essence of the Japanese mind
became the first Japanese to win
the Nobel Prize for Literature.
17. Postwar and
Contemporary
Literature
• Japan’s defeat in World War II,
influenced Japan Literature during the
1940s and 1950s.
• Many authors wrote stories about
disaffection, loss of purpose, and the
coping with defeat.
• Murakami Haruki is one of the most
popular and controversial Japanese
Authors.
18. Contem
porary
literature
• Popular fiction, non-fiction, and children's
literature all flourished in Japan during in
the 1980s.
• Many popular works fell between “pure
literature” and pulp novels, including all
sorts of historical serials, information-
packed docudramas, science fiction,
mysteries, detective fiction, business
stories, war journals, and animal stories.
• Non-fiction covered everything from
crimes to politics.
• Manga (Comic books) have penetrated
almost every sector of the popular
market.
21. Noh
It is a very traditional performance
theater of Japan which was originally
reserved for the nobility. It involves
music, dance, and drama.
22. Kabuki
The play for the masses, it is less
intellectual, and more realistic –
even sensational.
23. Joruri play
or
bunraku A puppet play doll theater
wherein the dolls are beautifully
made and lifelike in size.
24. Japanes
e poetry
• Japanese poetry is known as
Waka.
• They are composed for the
Gods.
• Japanese poetry is highly
influenced by Chinese
poetry.
• Following classical Chinese
poetry known as “Kamshi”.
25. Japanese Poetry
Tanka (5-7-5-7-7) – it is five line poem the first and third
lines have five syllables each and others making a total of 31
syllables per poem.
Haiku (5-7-5) – it is 17 syllable poem of the three lines
arranged in line of 5-7-5.
39. Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, art name Chōkōdō
Shujin, was an active Japanese writer in
Japan. He is regarded as the Father of the
Japanese short story.
Japan's premier literary award, The
Akutagawa Prize, is named after him.
He committed suicide at the age of 35
through an overdose of barbital.
40. It was a chilly evening. A servant of a samurai stood under the Rashōmon,
waiting for a break in the rain.
No one else was under the wide gate. On the thick column, its crimson lacquer
rubbed off here and there, perched a cricket. Since the Rashōmon stands on
Sujaku Avenue, a few other people at least, in sedge hat or nobleman’s
headgear, might have been expected to be waiting there for a break in the rain
storm. But no one was near except this man.
For the past few years the city of Kyoto had been visited by a series of
calamities, earthquakes, whirlwinds, and fires, and Kyoto had been greatly
devastated. Old chronicles say that broken pieces of Buddhist images and other
Buddhist objects, with their lacquer, gold, or silver leaf worn off, were heaped up
on roadsides to be sold as firewood. Such being the state of affairs in Kyoto, the
repair of the Rashōmon was out of the question. Taking advantage of the
devastation, foxes and other wild animals made their dens in the ruins of the
gate, and thieves and robbers found a home there too. Eventually it became
customary to bring unclaimed corpses to this gate and abandon them. After dark
it was so ghostly that no one dared approach.
41. Flocks of crows flew in from somewhere. During the daytime these cawing birds circled
round the ridgepole of the gate. When the sky overhead turned red in the after light of the
departed sun, they looked like so many grains of sesame flung across the gate. But on that day
not a crow was to be seen, perhaps because of the lateness of the hour. Here and there the stone
steps, beginning to crumble, and with rank grass growing in their crevices, were dotted with the
white droppings of crows. The servant, in a worn blue kimono, sat on the seventh and highest
step, vacantly watching the rain. His attention was drawn to a large pimple irritating his right
cheek.
As has been said, the servant was waiting for a break in the rain. But he had no particular
idea of what to do after the rain stopped. Ordinarily, of course, he would have returned to his
master’s house, but he had been discharged just before. The prosperity of the city of Kyoto had
been rapidly declining, and he had been dismissed by his master, whom he had served many
years, because of the effects of this decline. Thus, confined by the rain, he was at a loss to know
where to go. And the weather had not a little to do with his depressed mood. The rain seemed
unlikely to stop. He was lost in thoughts of how to make his living tomorrow, helpless incoherent
thoughts protesting an inexorable fate. Aimlessly he had been listening to the pattering of the rain
on the Sujaku Avenue.
The rain, enveloping the Rashōmon, gathered strength and came down with a pelting
sound that could be heard far away. Looking up, he saw a fat black cloud impale itself on the tips
of the tiles jutting out from the roof of the gate.
42. He had little choice of means, whether fair or foul, because of his helpless circumstances. If he chose
honest means, he would undoubtedly starve to death beside the wall or in the Sujaku gutter. He would be
brought to this gate and thrown away like a stray dog. If he decided to steal… His mind, after making the
same detour time and again, came finally to the conclusion that he would be a thief.
But doubts returned many times. Though determined that he had no choice, he was still unable to muster
enough courage to justify the conclusion that he must become a thief.
After a loud fit of sneezing he got up slowly. The evening chill of Kyoto made him long for the warmth of
a brazier. The wind in the evening dusk howled through the columns of the gate. The cricket which had
been perched on the crimson lacquered column was already gone.
Ducking his neck, he looked around the gate, and drew up the shoulders of the blue kimono which he
wore over his thin underwear. He decided to spend the night there, if he could find a secluded corner
sheltered from wind and rain. He found a broad lacquered stairway leading to the tower over the gate. No
one would be there, except the dead, if there were any. So, taking care that the sword at his side did not
slip out of the scabbard, he set foot on the lowest step of the stairs.
A few seconds later, halfway up the stairs, he saw a movement above. Holding his breath and huddling
cat-like in the middle of the broad stairs leading to the tower, he watched and waited. A light coming from
the upper part of the tower shone faintly upon his right cheek. It was the cheek with the red, festering
pimple visible under his stubbly whiskers. He had expected only dead people inside the tower, but he had
only gone up a few steps before he noticed a fire above, about which someone was moving. He saw a
dull, yellow, flickering light which made the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling glow in a ghostly way. What
sort of person would be making a light in the Rashōmon… and in a storm? The unknown, the evil terrified
him.
43. As quietly as a lizard, the servant crept up to the top of the steep stairs. Crouching on
all fours, and stretching his neck as far as possible, he timidly peeped into the tower.
As rumor had said, he found several corpses strewn carelessly about the floor. Since the
glow of the light was feeble, he could not count the number. He could only see that
some were naked and others clothed. Some of them were women, and all were lolling
on the floor with their mouths open or their arms outstretched showing no more signs
of life than so many clay dolls. One would doubt that they had ever been alive, so
eternally silent they were. Their shoulders, breasts, and torsos stood out in the dim
light; other parts vanished in shadow. The offensive smell of these decomposed corpses
brought his hand to his nose.
The next moment his hand dropped and he stared. He caught sight of a ghoulish form
bent over a corpse. It seemed to be an old woman, gaunt, gray-haired, and nunnish in
appearance. With a pine torch in her right hand, she was peeping into the face of a
corpse which had long black hair.
Seized more with horror than curiosity, he even forgot to breathe for a time. He felt the
hair of his head and body stand on end. As he watched, terrified, she wedged the torch
between two floor boards and, laying hands on the head of the corpse, began to pull
out the long hairs one by one, as a monkey kills the lice of her young.
44. The hair came out smoothly with the movement of her hands.
As the hair came out, fear faded from his heart, and his hatred toward the old woman
mounted. It grew beyond hatred, becoming a consuming antipathy against all evil. At
this instant if anyone had brought up the question of whether he would starve to death
or become a thief – the question which had occurred to him a little while ago – he
would not have hesitated to choose death. His hatred toward evil flared up like the
piece of pine wood which the old woman had stuck in the floor.
He did not know why she pulled out the hair of the dead. Accordingly, he did not know
whether her case was to be put down as good or bad. But in his eyes, pulling out the
hair of the dead in the Rashōmon on this stormy night was an unpardonable crime. Of
course it never entered his mind that a little while ago he had thought of becoming a
thief.
Then, summoning strength into his legs, he rose from the stairs and strode, hand on
sword, right in front of the old creature. The hag turned, terror in her eyes, and sprang
up from the floor, trembling. For a small moment she paused, poised there, then
lunged for the stairs with a shriek.
“Wretch! Where are you going?” he shouted, barring the way of the trembling hag who
tried to scurry past him.
45. Still she attempted to claw her way by. He pushed her back to prevent her… they
struggled, fell among the corpses, and grappled there. The issue was never in doubt.
In a moment he had her by the arm, twisted it, and forced her down to the floor. Her
arms were all skin and bones, and there was no more flesh on them than on the
shanks of a chicken. No sooner was she on the floor than he drew his sword and thrust
the silver-white blade before her very nose. She was silent. She trembled as if in a fit,
and her eyes were open so wide that they were almost out of their sockets, and her
breath come in hoarse gasps. The life of this wretch was his now. This thought cooled
his boiling anger and brought a calm pride and satisfaction. He looked down at her,
and said in a somewhat calmer voice:
“Look here, I’m not an officer of the High Police Commissioner. I’m a stranger who
happened to pass by this gate. I won’t bind you or do anything against you, but you
must tell me what you’re doing up here”.
Then the old woman opened her eyes still wider, and gazed at his face intently with the
sharp red eyes of a bird of prey. She moved her lips, which were wrinkled into her
nose, as though she were chewing something.
Her pointed Adam’s apple moved in her thin throat. Then a panting sound like the
cawing of a crow came from her throat:
“I pull the hair… I pull out the hair… to make a wig”.
46. Her answer banished all unknown from their encounter and brought disappointment.
Suddenly she was only a trembling old woman there at his feet. A ghoul no longer: only a
hag who makes wigs from the hair of the dead to sell, for scraps of food. A cold contempt
seized him. Fear left his heart, and his former hatred entered. These feelings must have
been sensed by the other. The old creature, still clutching the hair she had pulled off the
corpse, mumbled out these words in her harsh broken voice:
“Indeed, making wigs out of the hair of the dead may seem a great evil to you, but these
that are here deserve no better. This woman, whose beautiful black hair I was pulling, used
to sell cut and dried snake flesh at the guard barracks, saying that it was dried fish. If she
hadn’t died of the plague, she’d be selling it now. The guards liked to buy from her, and
used to say her fish was tasty. What she did couldn’t be wrong, because if she hadn’t, she
would have starved to death. There was no other choice. If she knew I had to do this in
order to live, she probably wouldn’t care”.
He sheathed his sword, and, with his left hand on its hilt, he listened to her meditatively.
His right hand touched the big pimple on his cheek. As he listened, a certain courage was
born in his heart – the courage which he had not had when he sat under the gate a little
while ago. A strange power was driving him in the opposite direction of the courage which
he had had when he seized the old woman. No longer did he wonder whether he should
starve to death or become a thief. Starvation was so far from his mind that it was the last
thing that would have entered it.
47. “Are you sure?” he asked in a mocking tone, when she finished talking. He took his
right hand from his pimple, and, bending forward, seized her by the neck and said
sharply:
“Then it’s right if I rob you. I’d starve if I didn’t”.
He tore her clothes from her body and kicked her roughly down on the corpses as
she struggled and tried to clutch his leg. Five steps, and he was at the top of the
stairs. The yellow clothes he had wrested off were under his arm, and in a
twinkling, he had rushed down the steep stairs into the abyss of night. The
thunder of his descending steps pounded in the hollow tower, and then it was
quiet.
Shortly after that the hag raised up her body from the corpses. Grumbling and
groaning, she crawled to the top stair by the still flickering torchlight, and through
the gray hair which hung over her face, she peered down to the last stair in the
torch light.
Beyond this was only darkness… unknowing and unknown.
50. Rashomon Symbolism
• The Gate
Acts as a synecdoche, one part used to represent a whole, for Kyōto. It is
also a symbol of people's willingness to abandon grand, civilizing principles.
The description of the gate's disrepair is preceded by an image of people
chopping up Buddhist statues for firewood.
• The Ruined Gate
The symbolism of the breakdown of society is the major contribution this
story makes to Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon movie.
51. Rashomon symbolism
• The Pimple
Symbolizes the servant's growing moral sickness, and the mention of it
accompanies questions about whether he is willing to steal to survive. He
picks at it throughout the story as he goes back and forth about his
willingness to do evil to live.
• Animals
The animals of the story symbolize the ruin of society as nature reclaims
the Rashomon. The old woman is persistently described in animalistic
terms.
52. Rashomon symbolism
• Rain
The rain gives the story a gloomy feel, pouring down misery on the characters, and
acts as the primary reason the servant ventures upstairs. The stormy weather
hangs over the events of the story, acting as a symbol for the larger calamities
forcing the characters to turn to theft.
• Snake Meat
When the old woman defends her theft of the dead woman's hair, she tells the
servant how the dead woman used to sell snake meat to the guards as dried fish.
The snake meat is a symbol of how wrongdoing may not be immediately apparent
or clear-cut, but it is pervasive nonetheless.
53. • The theme is the ironic exposure of the rationalizations of survival as the
ultimate value. The servant resolves his moral struggle by giving up any
morality. He simply is the next in the line of those who violate others in
order to keep themselves alive.
• The irony of the incident is that the woman's justification for stealing from
the dead, becomes his rationalization for stealing from her. A brutal world
without human values.
• If the only value is survival, then there is no morality--only the struggle of
all against all. The servant becomes like the woman who is like the woman
she steals from. The servant will survive until he meets someone who does
to him what he did to her.
54. • What is Akutagawa's
attitude? What is the
moral of the story?