Atsumori

Alex O’Brien
Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB, Hr 5
5 May 2009

“Young Reaper:
Unlocked for from men of our condition, you say!
Have you not read:
"Do not envy what is above you
Nor despise what is below you"?
Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen,
Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers
Through poets' verses are known to all the world.
Wonder not to hear among us
The sound of a bamboo-flute.

Preist: You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.”

This passage comes from the play Atsumori by Seami Motokiyo. It shows a part of a conversation between the Young Reaper and the Priest. The reaper passes on important information to the priest. In this passage Motokiyo’s purpose is to convey the value of equality among men. If the priest were to not let any of the circumstances cloud his judgment about the day he killed Atsumori, he would have been able to move on much faster. The Buddhist themes help prove that through Buddhism even great enemies can achieve peace. The author’s purpose is achieved through use of imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism.

In this passage quotation is used to help support the purpose. "Do not envy what is above you Nor despise what is below you"? (Motokiyo, Atsumori 52 – 54) The Reaper here quotes a seemingly Buddhist value, one that if he were to accept would help him come to peace. By the end of the story Rensei does come to terms with it and it helps guide him to enlightenment in the situation. “You are right. Indeed it is as you have told me.” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 61) Here Motokiyo has Rensei agree with the stated value only to further stress its importance.

In this passage symbolism is seen frequently. “Moreover the songs of woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo here talks of many men, all engaging in the act of making music with the flute. These flautists are all different but they are equal; thus further enforcing the main point of the passage.

In this passage imagery is also used frequently. “woodmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen, Flute-playing even of reapers and songs of wood-fellers” (Motokiyo, Atsumori 55 – 57) Motokiyo uses the imagery of the different beings playing the flute to creatively prove that that men are equal.

In this passage from Atsumori, Seami Motokiyo uses imagery, quotation & dialogue and symbolism to prove his purpose. The purpose being that all men are equal which supports Buddhist culture which the supports the true purpose of the play; to prove that with the guidance of Buddhism even the worst of enemies can over come their struggles.