Usage
Dictionary
Kanji: 叙
Hiragana: じょ
Pronunciation: Jo
Meaning: Order, Description
Compounds
- 叙勲 (jokun) conferring of decorations
- 自叙伝 (jijoden) autobiography
- 叙景 (jokei) descriptions of scenery
- 叙事詩 (jojishi) epic poem
- 叙述 (jokun) narration
Column
Japanese Culture and Epic Poetry
The Position of Epic Poetry
In Japanese culture, the role of epic poetry differs significantly from that in Western traditions. While the West highly values epic poetry as a major literary genre, characterized by heroic tales and adventures in verse, Japan traditionally does not have a distinct category for “epic poetry.” Instead, narratives that would be considered epic in the West are often categorized as “stories” or “tales” in Japan.
Characteristics of Japanese Epic Narratives
Japanese classical literature contains many works with epic qualities, but these are often written in prose rather than verse. For example, texts such as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki include myths and heroic stories but are composed in prose, distinguishing them from Western epic poetry.
The Tale of the Heike
One of the most significant works in Japanese literature that embodies epic characteristics is The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari). This narrative chronicles the rise and fall of the Taira (Heike) clan and is filled with heroic battles and tragic events. Notably, it is written in a rhythmic 7-5 syllabic pattern, giving it a poetic quality.
The Tale of the Heike was traditionally recited by blind monks known as biwa hōshi, who accompanied their recitations with the biwa, a type of lute. This practice is similar to Western traditions where epic poems were sung by bards to the accompaniment of a lyre. Despite its poetic and musical qualities, The Tale of the Heike is considered a “tale” rather than a “poem” in Japanese literature.
The Concept of Poetry in Japanese Culture
In Japanese culture, poetry is not synonymous with verse. Japanese poetry primarily focuses on the lyrical expression of subjective emotions, with forms like waka and haiku being highly esteemed. These forms are brief and emphasize personal and emotional expression, in contrast to the lengthy, narrative form of epic poetry.
Long narrative works in verse, such as those found in Western epic poetry, are often not classified as “poetry” in Japan. Instead, they are considered part of a broader category of “songs” or “narratives.” For instance, the lyrics of Noh plays or jōruri (puppet theater chants) are written in verse and convey dramatic stories, yet they are categorized differently from lyrical poetry.
Conclusion
Epic poetry in Japanese culture has developed uniquely, differing from Western traditions. The Tale of the Heike exemplifies this difference, being a poetic narrative that is categorized as a tale. The Japanese concept of poetry focuses on lyrical and subjective expression, leading to a distinct literary landscape where epic narratives are appreciated but classified differently. This distinction underscores the rich and varied nature of Japanese literature and its approach to poetic forms.
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