JPN/EAS 380
|
|
|
Text: Genji and Heike, Helen Craig McCullough, trans.
Wednesday, Sept. 21st |
|
Readings: |
Chatpers 1-5 (pp. 265-337) |
Questions to Consider: |
The book we are reading includes only certain selections from the Tale of the Heike. Given the difference in content with most of the book, why do you supposed the translator chose to include the "Giô" episode? The first major "story arc" concerns the attempted betrayal and subsequent exile of three men. How does this exile compare with the self-imposed exiles of Genji and Kamo no Chômei? Based on the readings, what is war like in this period? How are batteles and warriors described, and what seems to be raised as important in these descriptions? |
Monday, Sept. 26th |
|
Readings: |
Chapters 6-9 ( pp. 338-397) |
Questions to Consider: |
Our readings for the day contain the death of Kiyomori. What place does his death have in the narrative (i.e. what leads up to it, etc.) and how is his death described? We are beginning to see more and more battles. Do the descriptions match with your expectations of "samurai ideals?" What seems to be the role of religion in the text? This might include Buddhism in general, the concept of karma, faith in Amida, Shintô deities, etc. |
Wednesday, Sept. 28th |
|
Readings: |
Chapters 10-12 and "The Initiates Chapter" (pp. 398-458) |
Questions to Consider: |
As the battles wind down, we hear about some deaths in great detail while others seem to be only in passing. Can you find any pattern in who is given the focus in these chapters or find any reason for the discrepancy? Unlike the other books of the Tale of the Heike, the final episodes are not numbered and instead are give the collective title "The Intiate's Chapter." Do you see any reason for this? Who is the "initiate?" Looking back at the work as a whole, what values do you think motivated the warriors at the time? And what value do you suppose tthe audience saw in the text? |
Back to Main Page |