Introduction
The development and usage of Japanese literature changed dramatically from the Heian to the Edo/Tokugawa periods. The Heian Era (794-1185) was a time of unparalleled cultural flowering and literary brilliance (“Supplementary Reading 6, p.2”). On the other hand, the Edo/Tokugawa period (1603-1868) was distinguished by a more tightly controlled literary culture that appealed to a broader audience. Japanese literature from the Heian to the Edo/Tokugawa periods exhibits remarkable continuity in its aesthetic ideals, narrative strategies, and thematic concerns, reflecting a deep-seated cultural identity and a shared literary heritage that transcends historical boundaries.
Evolution of Japanese Literature
Literature Purpose
Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji exemplifies how Japanese literature emerged during the Heian period as a personal expression for the elite. During this time, the aristocracy created literature for personal enjoyment, primarily oriented on love and passion (“Supplementary Reading 7, p.3”). Murasaki Shikibu’s novel The Tale of Genji, which examines the lives and loves of a fictitious prince named Genji, is the most well-known work of this time. It is considered a classic of Japanese literature because it effectively captures the beauty and elegance of Heian period court life (“Supplementary Reading 7, p.2”). The narrator, for example, emphasizes the splendor of the spring season, “The spring dawn was breaking over the eastern mountain, spilling fresh light over the delicate tints of the cherry blossom” (“Supplementary Reading 8, p.2”). The Tale of Genji is a literary masterpiece that has held readers’ attention for over a thousand years, evidenced by its ongoing popularity and cultural relevance.
In contrast, the Edo/Tokugawa period (1603-1868) witnessed the rise of a new literary form known as ukiyo-zoshi or tales of the floating world. The term “floating world” refers to pleasure areas where people might have fun and relax (“Supplementary Reading 11, p.2”). The floating world stories were popular among merchants and working-class people, who could connect to the stories that depicted their daily lives. Ihara Saikaku’s The Life of an Amorous Man, which describes the life of a merchant who indulges in the pleasures of the floating world, is one of the most famous works of this time (“Supplementary Reading 18, p.6”). The narrator recounts the main character’s passion for ladies: “He had loved women with a passion that would make him dizzy since he was a boy” (“Supplementary Reading 10, p.3”). The Edo/Tokugawa period saw the flourishing of art, culture, and entertainment due to the relative peace and stability of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Socio-Historical Developments
The rise of a centralized government marked the Heian period’s socio-historical context, modeled after the Chinese Tang dynasty. The imperial court was the seat of political authority, and the nobility was given special treatment. The literature of this period represented the aristocracy’s ideals and views, such as the significance of beauty, elegance, and refinement (“Supplementary Reading 9, p.5”).
For example, the narrator of The Tale of Genji portrays the ideal of a “floating world” where beauty and refinement are highly valued: “Genji was indeed blessed with every attribute.” He was gorgeous, intellectual, and elegant, with a sophisticated and nuanced appreciation for beauty. He lived in a world apart from the ordinary, a world that sailed on a sea of beauty and elegance” (“Supplementary Reading 8, p.5”). It exemplifies the Heian period’s emphasis on the nobility’s cultivation of attractiveness and refinement, a hallmark of the era’s court culture.
The Edo/Tokugawa era, on the other hand, saw the rise of a new social class known as chonin, or townsfolk, who got affluent via trade and business. This period’s literature represented the new socioeconomic class’s ideas and views, such as the significance of pragmatism, realism, and amusement (“Supplementary Reading 14, p.2”). For example, in The Life of an Amorous Man, the narrator describes the main character’s pragmatic approach to life: “He knew that life was short and that one had to enjoy it while one could.” He was concerned in pleasure and happiness, not in riches or power” (“Supplementary Reading 10, p.1”). It exemplifies the Edo/Tokugawa period’s emphasis on practicality and enjoyment, which are central values of the emerging chonin class.
Literary Genres
In terms of literary genres, the Heian period was dominated by fiction like The Tale of Genji, Sei Shonagon’s The Pillow Book, and Lady Nijo’s Confessions. The focus on love, passion, and attention to detail and refinement distinguished these masterpieces (“Supplementary Reading 13, p.2”). On the other hand, the Edo/Tokugawa period witnessed the creation of several new literary forms, including haiku, kabuki plays, and comic novels. These works were distinguished by their emphasis on daily life, amusement, and realism.
Shared Themes
Despite these contrasts, the two periods had some common themes and motifs. For example, both periods, albeit in different ways, tackled the issue of love and passion. Love is shown as a refined and delicate emotion in The Tale of Genji, but love is portrayed as a more physical and intense emotion in The Life of an Amorous Man (“Supplementary Reading 19, p.2”). Both periods, albeit in distinct circumstances, examined the idea of beauty and aesthetics (“Supplementary Reading 16, p.2”). Beauty and aesthetics were highly appreciated in courtly circles during the Heian period, whereas they were cherished in ordinary life and amusement during the Edo/Tokugawa period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese literature spanning the Heian to Edo/Tokugawa periods showed notable contrasts and remarkable parallels. The Heian period witnessed the creation of Japanese literature centered on love and romance. However, the Edo/Tokugawa period saw the emergence of a new literary genre that depicted the ordinary lives of the townsfolk. However, despite these contrasts, both periods examined issues such as love and beauty, albeit in distinct circumstances. Overall, the evolution and practice of literary traditions in Japan from the Heian to Edo/Tokugawa times reflect changes in Japan’s social, historical, and literary landscapes.
Works Cited
Supplementary Reading 18. Bashō Matsuo, and Nobuyuki Yuasa. The Narrow Road to the Deep North: And Other Travel Sketches. Penguin Books, 1966, pp. 1–58.
Supplementary Reading 19. Ihara Saikaku. The Floating World. pp. 1–15.
Supplementary Reading 6.Laurel Rasplica Rodd, et al. Kokinshū: A Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern. Cheng & Tsui, 2009, pp. 1–5.
Supplementary Reading 13. Michitsuna’s mother. The Kagero Diary. University of Michigan Press, 2020, pp. 1–17.
Supplementary Reading 8. Murasaki Shikibu. Tale of Genji, Digireads Com, 2012, pp 1-6
Supplementary Reading 9. Murasaki Shikibu. “The Palowania Pavilion.” Tale of Genji, Digireads Com, 2012, pp. 1-18.
Supplementary Reading 11. Murasaki Shikibu “The Twilight Beauty.” Tale of Genji, Digireads Com, 2012, pp 1-28
Supplementary Reading 14. Sei Shonagon. The Pillow Book. Penguin UK, 2006, pp. 1–7.
Supplementary Reading 7. Tsurayuki, Ki no. Ise Monogatari: The Tales of Ise. JiaHu Books, 2014, pp. 1–11.
Supplementary Reading 16.Watson, Burton, and Haruo Shirane. The Tales of the Heike. Columbia University Press, 2008, pp. 1–8.