Thousand Cranes Final Project #2
Haiku poems have an intricate history despite the simple structure of the haiku itself. They are a Japanese form of poetry that has become popular in Western civilizations as well, even with the differences in language. Some poets have become especially famous for their haikus such as the poets Basho, Buson, and Issa (Kizer 1). Haikus represent cultural and natural life, which relates to the novel Thousand Cranes by Yasunari Kawabata.
Haiku’s are a strict form of poetry that originated from a strict social system in Japan. It was important for higher classes to know poetry, and one type “renga” resulted. Renga was a linked verse where other authors would contribute to an original verse. However in the 1500’s it transformed into a freer form of poetry. This was called “haikai”, included was the “hokku” which included the essential seasonal aspect of the poem (Kizer 1). There are three pronounced masters of haikus. One of their poems is
“zo no me no waraikaketari yamazakura” by Buson. The translation is: “An elephant's eyes smile- Mountain cherry blossoms.” (“Famous” 1). The others also include elements of nature, and portray simple everyday things, and make them elegant through the structure of haiku.
A haiku poem has a strict structure that is inherent to the purpose of the poem. It follows a five-seven-five syllable structure. However it is hard to translate between Japanese and English because of the fluidity of the languages (“Haiku” 1). Commonly a haiku includes something to do with nature, or the seasons because that is important in Japanese society. A haiku also conveys a deeper unsaid meaning through simple and quick speech. So an involved reader is necessary to find a true meaning to a haiku, since it won’t be blatantly stated in the haiku. (Kizer 1). This style of writing can be constantly connected to the author’s in Thousand Cranes. Not only does he constantly reference nature and colors to set scenes, but to support the timeline of events to come, or to provide a fresh and purifying sense in the book like when he wrote:
“The western sun poured into it, and the street glittered like a sheet of metal. The trees, with the sun behind them, were darkened almost to black. The shadows were cool, the branches wide, the leaves thick…he could see the cranes and the kerchief vividly. He sensed something fresh and clean.” (45).
Kawabata refers to nature and color multiple times other than this, and uses it to tie into the main characters feelings. He also leaves certain things unsaid but are fairly easy to pick up on. Like in the previous passage that Kikuji, the main male character, finds purity in the Inamura girl and the nature of Japan. In fact, through his writing it is apparent that Kawabata finds that traditional Japanese values and customs were quite important to him, more so than any other subject. Japanese haikus focus largely on those same ideals most often focusing on nature tying in with other things. An example in the novel occurs when a storm comes in: “As he looked out over the garden, he heard thunder. It was distant but strong, and at each clap it was nearer… It was a violent rain.” (91). This rain storm was foreshadowing the mess of events about to unfold between the ruthless Chikako against Fumiko. Kawabata used nature as a metaphor to support his writing, which also occurs in a haiku. Haikus and Kawabata’s Thousand Cranes are quite similar in their usage of unwritten sentiments and nature.
Haikus are quite short, but have the capability of expressing large messages. However the reader must be able to recognize the symbolism within the subject to be able to fully appreciate the haiku. Haiku poetry has an extended past that reaches far back to high social classes in Japan, all the way to modern times where it has spread to Western countries and become popular. Haikus and the novel are similar because of the heavy symbolism achieved through the use of nature, colors, and culture to support the theme of the work as well as certain ideals. Both even serve as a preservation of tradition in Japanese society. Haiku poems are a quite successful and widespread form of literature.
Works Cited
“Famous Haikus.” Haiku Society. Haiku Society, 2009. Web. 2 Dec. 2009.
Kizer, Kevin. “A Brief History of Haiku .” Literary Kicks. Literary Kicks, 3 May 2001. Web. 2 Dec. 2009.
“What is Haiku?” Haiku Society. Haiku Society, 2009. Web. 2 Dec. 2009.
Jessica Cadwell English Mod 5
Haikus- Thousand Cranes Final Project
Drawing
To follow a curve
Waving in and out of view.
Is my only bliss.
Spring
The spring is calming.
Showers revive and renew.
Life starts fresh once more.
For these haikus, I decided I would want to follow the general nature guideline for one but for the other I would pick something that I highly enjoy and express it how I see it. Both of these haikus are true to my feelings on the matters discussed. The first haiku could also be about the sense of sight, not only the act of drawing. Both of these represent calming aspects of life to me, and that’s what I think haikus are about; Zen ideals and relieving tension with fluidity.
