"Chrysanthemum Tryst":
1 Remaking
Story Chinese Japan Ghost in a
Noriko Reider R.
University Miami
During period (1600-1867) the Edo major Chinese books element in
were a a
expansion intellectual secular period previous history. unmatched in Japanese of
No
any
partly
Tokugawa doubt this the due adopted fact that the Neo- to government
was
ideology
Confucianism political official the buttress its feature control. of One to
as
stipulating Neo-Confucianism
people order social that all conform
strict
to was a a
hierarchical obligations. Tokugawa with of classes The found structure
government stern
useful, placed model of this highest social order performance which value the of the
on
loyalty
duties such (Varley piety 152). filial one's lord and wide of 1984: A
to
as range
7.k • • (Hanan "Chinese 1981) stories" vernacular from Margin) (Water Shuihu zhuan
-• Sanyan (literally, Words," 1627) "Three and 1620, 1624, Japan arrived in to
together driving classics, with expansion, Chinese the began intellectual this and great
to
gain the serious roughly period Japanese attention of Kyrh6 intellectuals in (1716- the
1736). Japanese found the Some study Chinese vehicle for vernacular useful their story
a
society, including of language Chinese writing style, the vernacular and contemporary
employed while policies others it in dynasty Ming their of examination of (1368- the
2 1644), simple found others and still the vernacular stories be entertainment. to
Though literati stories based short
Chinese
not
wrote common,
upon some even
3
• • stories Among intellectual _]7. vernacular exercise. them
Ueda Akinari
as an was
Cheung "'Chrysanthemum published Dominic Chfi-ch'ing's Tryst' [Juqing's] and 'Fan Etemal
Comparative Friendship': Study Ghost-Friendship A Japan of Tales Two in China" and in
Tamkang Friendship" Chfi-ch'ing's in Review back "Fan 1977. He Eternal
the
Hou
Hart traces to
:•r
•(• •
(History Shu century) explains &the Dynasty, Later Han and how fifth the of story
ca.
through changed Fan Shi Chfi-ch'ing's various Chinese until it "Fan reaches the form of texts
Friendship." Etemal comparative perspective then examines He in the themes of
common
"obligation" friendships and "trust" explanation the in both stories. of Chinese the His of is
text
insightful, explanation informative and developed, Japanese fully but his of the is and I
text not
reading
ending offer alternative the critical addition the of the clarification of In story.
to to an
points, important aforementioned the differences examines socio-cultural the in context essay my
adapting the in the of apparent
text.
process
2 regard With KSjir6 the element stories, "entertainment" of Chinese vernacular in Yoshikawa to
primarily that developed Chinese fiction vernacular China in "entertainment." See states
was as
Krjir8 • (Yoshikawa "Chftgoku 1968:181-229): •-Jb his three [] koshrsetsu kaidai" shf¢
essays
;• • •% J• (Explanatory of "Chfigoku Collection Fiction); shrsetsu Pre-Modern Chinese
notes to
q• -• • [] JJ• "Chfigoku position P• chii" (The fiction); shrsetsu of Chinese and okeru ni ©
no
kyrmi"
q• • []/J• •% Ih• )• ronsh6 • • • proof fiction). (Interest • in • Chinese in A ©
no
"entertainment" theory expounded by Timothy similar is Wong (1981: 235-50). C.
• • ]• ,• example, Tsuga
Teish6 For (1718-1791)
stories collection of short entitled
wrote
a
•: •,•J•
(Tales Hanabusa zrshi Garland,
adaptation of 1749) which in
from
story every a was an
vernacular fiction. Chinese 33
ff)• physician, (1734-1809), deftly scholar, fiction writer. sometime and He
poet,
a
• • .•. -• (•[] •J• •
jishu • sisheng jiao" (Fan adopted Juqing Chinese the "Fan
story
4 Friendship)
Juqing's appealing Japanese Eternal The into work
tastes. to
more a new
::• •
•
(Chrysanthemum changes chigiri" Tryst) made his Akinari in "Kikuka © no
cultural differences countries well the reflect and/or similarities between the
two
as as
intentions. artistic authors'
major significance of examines artistic
This of the cultural the and
essay some
specific impact adapting changes Akinari Of is the made the of the in
text.
process
significance family characters, changes the of the socio-economic the in the of
status
ending writing style---especially, finally Akinari's the the in of the and structure, story,
ghost (1965), however, Uzuki Hiroshi have before the Scholars such
appears. scenes as
ending departure significant from Chinese noted that the &the is the the story most text.
Juqing's Friendship" "Chrysanthemum Tryst"
Summaries of"Fan Eternal and
• •/J• • Friendship" Gujin Juqing's the xiaoshuo Eternal "Fan in
appears
L•:•(1574-1646). (Stories 1620), compiled by Menglong Feng Old New, and the As
major denotes, loyalty title faithfulness theme of the is and between friends. The
story
a
-•ff •-•, •;0, •[• Zhang merchant, Zhang main characters Shi and Shao farmer. Fan
a a are
Heating Shao has mother and brother. the that the is
emperor younger a a news
recruiting talent,
Zhang the official examinations and Shao decides take to
sets out
new
for night staying Luoyang, the examination site. While the far from inn at not
an
Luoyang, the examinations, learns that in he also candidate for the
next
room, a a man
seriously Zhang has fallen candidate, ill. himself of Shao commits the the ill
to recovery
Zhang's gradually who result of conscientious
as a care, recovers.
candidate, himself, Shi, explains given The that introduces and he has Fan his
up
recuperating, they examinations. business take the official Yet, Shi is while both Fan to
Orphaned examinations. miss the when Shi has wife and
Fan As
young, now a son. a
friendship they being their brothers, Zhang become with Shi five
Fan
grows, years sworn
having
plans kinship Shao's senior. his commit fictive Not Fan
parents,
to to
own a
relationship considering by Zhang mother his Shao's
as own.
together, they After respective months six decide their native
to return to
parting, provinces. promises Zhang Before hence, Shi
visit Shao's house Fan
to
year
a on
(the month). day the Double Ninth Day Festival ninth their Upon of the ninth lunar
plans reunion, Zhang his Shi Shao's mother. Fan respects
to to
pay
promised day, Zhang looking Shao, seeing and the forward
A
to
year passes on
early Shi, day night, for him. and feast Fan but
The into Fan gets
up prepares passes a
already setting Everyone Shi does has bed. After the of the
not
to
appear. gone moon
midnight, Zhang Shao, waiting, is still who shadow darkness. is in the It Fan past
sees a
already seeing Shi. Zhang ghost. is Shi reveals he dead and Shao is his But Fan that that
explains busily attending appointment forgot that while business, until his he the He
to
impossible
meeting. day the of their scheduled knew thousand Shi it travel Fan
to
a was
day spirit saying miles but in thousand remembered the ancient that miles
go one a a can
day. keep Zhang promise, in order his he committed suicide and arrived In Shao's
to at a
4
Story Bishop's Colloquial the Bishop translation is The of China. John The Short L in
source
Bishop, the Wade- Giles his Except in translation. for the translations from all other system uses
employ thepinyin translations in this system essay 34
cutting throat, ghost. time Before Shi instructed his his wife home Fan
not to
on as a
expressing bury Zhang his until
him view his After wish that Shao
to
corpse.
came
disappears. Shanyang, spirit Zhang his native Shi's Shao should visit him in Fan
Zhang following day, Zhang Shi's funeral. Shao for When On the Fan
sets out
explains Zhang directly Shanyang, of Shi's wife Shao front that in Shao reaches Fan to
stopped will understands Everyone the coffin has and that the Shi's
Fan
not
grave, move.
Zhang's Zhang ground, waiting coffin for
arrival. Shao falls for the Fan to weeps was
Shi, his desire Shi. After his condolences which and reads Fan to
accompany express
Zhang Shi, telling Shao Shi's wife his wish be buried beside his Fan Fan to cuts
own
Zhang Shao, Hearing of the faithfulness between Shi and the throat. Fan
extreme
Loyalty posthumous confers titles Shrine of is built front of their in
them. A emperor on
written their virtue. and it tribute
to
many grave, verses are on as
"Chrysanthemum Tryst" of nine short stories of
collection the in
appears
a
• •(•J• • Moonlight Rain, supernatural Ugetsu (Tales 1776). of and entitled monogatari
• • ;• • • •, samurai-strategist, characters and The main Akana S6emon
a are
• • [•, •! Confucian has Hasebe scholar. Hasebe Samon mother and Samon
a a a
already family day is married and outside sister who of the home. resides One younger
acquaintance, visits in when Hasebe Samon local he finds that the
out next
a a man room
seriously needs, commits himself the sick and result of is ill. Samon man's
to as a
gradually conscientious introduces Samon's the The himself
care, man recovers. man as
province by Akana S6emon from who has been mission his Izumo
sent secret on a
by back his is killed named
While he is in Amako Izumo
master. master away, a man
]=•-•--• •Z,. Hearing
Tsunehisa the lords other attack Amako but S6emon to
urges news,
adopt plan. critically nobody his While would fell Izumo, S6emon ill in
to route
en
friendship develops, they hometown. Samon's between and Samon and A S6emon
being brothers, senior. Atter
decide become with five S6emon Samon's
to years sworn
recovering fully, his S6emon Samon's house Samon's mother. respects
to to to pay goes
Having plans lost his S6emon consider mother his Samon's
parents,
to
own own. as
staying inquire Samon's, for while decides into After the
S6emon Izumo at to to to
go a
&things, promises but back the Double Festival which is Day, he Ninth
state to
come on
Chrysanthemum Festival. also called the
promised day, looking seeing early Samon, the S6emon, On forward gets
to up
day night and feast for him. The into but S6emon does
not prepares passes appear. a
already mother has is about
Samon's bed. After the has and Samon to set to gone moon
door, shadow the is Akana close the he in reveals darkness. S6emon. S6emon It
sees a
already ghost. ghost explains and that he is dead follows: what Samon is his The
sees as
everybody returned Izumo, Amako Tsunehisa. When S6emon the side of
Even
to
was on
•-•, •-•, Tanji cousin, recommended that Amako S6emon's Akana S6emon and
serve
meeting suspicious arranged for of Amako S6emon with him. However, S6emon
was a
cousin, Tanji, leave. and wished S6emon. Amako ordered Akana the detain to to
time, and unable Confined house remembered the Samon's S6emon
to return to
on
saying spirit day. keep ancient word, the thousand miles order
that his he In
to go a can a
telling committed suicide arrived time. After of and Samon's Samon take
at to
on care
ghost mother, disappears. their the
following day, the his mother On leaves collect Samon Izumo
to to to
go
Tanji,
surprised
there, S6emon's When visits Akana is remains. he arrives he who to see 35
Tanji, citing that knows of denounces death. Samon S6emon's Samon ancient
an
Claiming Tanji committing by Chinese that has dishonored his
story. name a
immediately. dishonorable kills him with blow his sword and flees Samon of act,
one
Hearing
faithfulness Samon, of the and Amako his between orders S6emon extreme men
follow Samon. not to
Changes Socio-Economic in Status and Focus
adapted changing by first Akinari of the the the main socio-economic story
status
family characters incorporating by their and
technique used and into the story structure a
in focus N6 drama attention character. the main the Chinese Shi is In
Fan to story,
on a
Zhang farmer, tradesman
and is Shao their both official
take the
to
way a on
examinations. emphasized loyalty, ethics Confucian piety, filial such virtues
as
faithfulness, righteousness. Though beings and human endowed with these virtuous
are
regardless they elements study whether ethics, of Confucian China those in who
not or
studied understanding Confucian considered better of have them. The shi
texts
to
were
a
5 :J2, scholars, public understanding. knowledge office served who in this had and From
early beginning fourteenth the teachings the twentieth of the
when the
century
century to
• twelfth-century • philosopher of the accepted (1130-1200) Zhu Xi the
were as
learning, doctrine orthodox Confucian of Xi's Zhu Neo-Confucianism school of
was
meticulously
especially by studied candidates the official examinations for the
to enter
positions governmental into (Varley 1984:151). who Those examinations studied for the
theoretically embody and knew could the aforementioned Confucianism. values basic of
Ming emphasized the Since opportunity equal (Hsu in education male government 1998:
virtually 1050), regardless
of social could take the examinations. Hence, status
any man
ultimate character's
important social
fiction Chinese in his
status not a as was
as
intellectual achievements.
Akinari's Akana samurai-strategist In Sremon is and
story, Hasebe Samon is
a
a
(Uzuki Confucian scholar Though 123). 1969:110, Tokugawa adopted the government
the Xi's school Zhu
of ideology Neo-Confucianism
political official the for
same
as
the for adopt equal it did
education Instead, the males. for the purposes,
not reason same
Tokugawa adopted
hereditary, class which
and the government of
system
concept
a
was
shi ruling transferred the 1•
• class.
samurai Intellectuals
Yamaga such Sok6 to
was as
¢• •
(1622-85) asserted
only that physical samurai
"must cultivate his skills
not
a as
a
warrior also his but mind
particular, character. and exemplar he of In the
must
serve as
high
moral Japanese for classes. of all Central such
moral the
purpose to purpose
was
duty obligation,...absolute samurai's
of loyalty
overlord and devotion one's to sense to or
• •: [•, According Ying-shih Yu the Chinese of the similar appellation is shi the to concept
to
"intellectual" in Western culture. only that Yu knowledge special intellectuals have of states
not
devotion and work, their do scholars, they artists and society, also
but about their to
as care
They profess and the well-being world.
the public the country, about of well.
The to
even care
as
applies Chinese shi. Like intellectuals, explained Western perspectives shi world and
to same
change tried Historically
speaking, the world. Confucius it who first discussed shi. to He
was
stated that • had the shi their minds made assigned (Way). the dao Confucius the to out up
carry
role of shi the advocates such, As of "basic values." Confucianism the of the backbone to
was
period of shi. Yu that each generated shi, corresponding various concept of notes
aspects
to
forces social of the time but the basic history has changed throughout ofshi the much concept not
Yingshi China. of See Yu 1987: 1-11. 36
realistically expected duty transcended what be of of that far could members the other
Tokugawa society" (Varley Along loyalty, 183). classes of moral of with code
1984:
a
• •j•, shingi righteousness, upheld faithfulness virtue and became the and
great
was as a
merchant, privileged but there virtual of the Akinari himself samurai.
property was a was
found Akinari would have the little chance for merchants become samurai. peasants
to or
original loyalty and their
and with the virtues of Chinese story
trust among
commoners
readers, plausible mobility it for the Japanese make it social attractive. But to was
change from farmer and Akinari main characters the social of for the
status
to necessary a
emphasized
change of samurai Confucian and code merchant scholar. This
to
a a a a faithfulness.
expectations. Second, Chinese the written consideration of societal in story was
Zhang
Chinese Shao has brother and Shi has other the In In Fan
story, younger
a a son.
Zhang words, male heirs. brother continue both had The of Shao would the
younger
Similarly family Zhang their death. Shi's line and take of mother after Shao's Fan
care
required teachings family Confucian would continue the line and assist his mother.
son
piety. According interpreter Taylor Meadows, filial Thomas British the mid- in to a
Imperial refuse leave of nineteenth "The dare absence Government century,
not to
a
during he, requires only mandarin it his if widowed mother her order tend in
to
son, as an
declining asking though real of his
the know that the
government
years; may cause even
''6 impending difficulty. leave, for is from official Whether real
to
escape or some an
piety socially obligation expedient, filial considered ultimate for which there
was an was
remonstration--theoretically higher obligations than the
government. to
no even
Accordingly, Zhang expected brother would be both Shao's
and Shi's Fan
to carry son
piety
family filial behalf of deceased sole the and continue their lines the out to
on as
family. setting members of character of thus male the The the Chinese reflects its text
importance Chinese life. in
orphan. "Chrysanthemum Tryst" change By This Sremon is in
contrast,
an was a
by probably wanted the made Akinari for artistic Akinari have readers
to
may
reasons.
character, (Uzuki 110). Sremon, focus the main alone When the reader's 1976:
on
focused, intensity easily produced. attention is the theater, of the situation is N6 In
more
plays
ghost frequently the lead who the role of takes several roles order in
actor to
on a
only figure himself focus the audience's attention alone. When there is
stage,
on on one
naturally atmosphere the audience that character. This intensified attention
to
pays more
strengthened technique. by probably adopted focusing technique is Akinari such this
a
(Shigetomo 77-78). from drama N6 1946:
ghost The last makes that the of vanishes Sremon Samon before he statement
to
good moving forever is: "Please do take of and it mother." is It
sentence care our a
character. has his filial Sremon considered mother his and he Samon's
expresses own, as
expressed province. wishes her has his before he leaves for inasmuch But Izumo to
serve
suicide, loyalty he this does materialize. commits Faithfulness his and brethren
not
to
piety. precedent loyalty takes samurai, filial code the of the the virtues of and In over
piety. faithfulness override filial the samurai
to
Similarly family, sibling from in considerations Samon's artistic is Samon's
replaced by sister, who is mentioned does Without
but in the story. not appear a
appearing,
Akinari make of the reader alone. the character Samon
In
concentrate can on
6 Quoted Lien-sheng Yang in 1968: 155. 37
Zhang the Chinese Zhang brother
Shao's has the ask
stoD', to
younger common sense
Shao really Cheung how he know whether Shi died. Dominic
has Fan As to
not came or
noted,
the ghost doubt the brother
the truth of Shi's makes the Fan story casts
younger on
all (Cheung the 125-26). believable the brother's However,
1977: younger more
Zhang
and could the audience's Shao divide attention between
appearance
sense common
sibling. though, and his Still, Akinari considered situation undesirable. have this
may
Zhang similar brother, strengthening Shao's is instrumental Samon's sister in the to
piety, family filial conduct of his for asks of sister's their mother af[er Samon take
to
care
departure. China, his family the Unlike in Japan the continuation of line does in custom
a
by through family--adoption lines need blood the male child of the from
to not
pass
family orphan have sufficed fact, would another Japan. in himself Akinari who In
was an
adopted family. Therefore, into merchant
be male child of sister
Samon's
was a a can
adopted easily design the into household Hasebe continue the Hasebe line. Akinari's to
focus
attention main the also character the different social China reveals in to contexts on
Japan. and
Authorial Fulfillment
differences While the in do different elements of China Japan, reveal and texts
sometimes differences psychological similar reflect foundations. The
greatest
may
change adaptation made in
the good example. of
of is the end the story at
process a
the the end of At Zhang Chinese the Shao confers and Fan story,
emperor upon
posthumous
Shi titles for righteous faithfulness their actions,
other and their
to
one even
pass
though they
did take Though Ming civil the the
examinations. service not
or even
encouraged equal classes, education Ming males of for all social in the late government
period •:• :;ff the qualified candidates number of became who by passing (xiucai ) students
the service civil examinations greatly local the level exceeded the available number of at
positions,
which according
allotted fixed
the As
quota system. to were consequence, a a
of full student candidates
became who officials--some country rather of
was
never
(Hsu advanced According 1050-51). compiler 1998: Yang, Shuhui Feng the
age to
(1574-1645), Menglong publishing Sanyan the last of the collections in of the 1627 at age
53, was
holding degree still the level, lowest of appointment
anywhere with
official the
a
no
on
horizon.
Like highest scholars time, of his
his ambition office himself hold most
to
was
them,
and like experienced he have deal frustration of and emotional
great must
a
suffering repeated (Yang his for failures. 126) 1998:
The though
they officials, "Even Juqing
ennobled Fan narrator states:
not
were
was
as
Shan-yang [Shanyang] Earl of Y/aan-po Yuanbo] [Zhan and Chan of Earl Ju-nan
as
[Runan]."7
image reflection This is of Menglong who, spite
Feng of talent, of his in
a an
could advanced
the high examinations position
hold the in not pass to
necessary a
virtuous That public obtained from honors the government. without
persons
emperor
passing
the might interpreted examinations be wish-fulfillment compiler. of the
as a
Yang "Feng anxiety
Menglong's that
service have
derived from states his
to
over seems
desire known be
personal have and recognized," strong his worth and that to to
argues
7 Bishop by Translated 1956: 97. 38
writings [of political
expression found in his of exclusion from the "this
center
sense
composed Sanyan]" (Yang 151). in shrine is built and number of A 1998:
a verses are
satisfying compiler Zhang Shi, the the desire of and other of Shao and the honor Fan
Menglong's. Feng scholars situation in similar
to numerous a
through version observed Akinari's the in wish-fulfillment
be The
may same
Tanji Gong about is changes Chinese which Samon tells he made the in The
story
text.
•j •, ,• Shiji • • (The Shang Records of Grand taken Yang from the and Shuzuo
prime Shuzuo, B.C.E). Gong the minister of the Historian, When first century
ca.
• king Gong ill, critically visited (ca. B.C.E.), the of Wei and kingdom of Wei 300 was
position the his of his death. in would recommend him whom he asked
event to
assume
king going Shang friend, Yang. the If talented recommended Gong his
not to
young was
beyond king said, Shang Yang Shang the appoint Gong should let Yang, the
not
pass
bring killing Shang border, Yang would later disaster him. Otherwise it if to
meant
even
advice, going Gong kingdom. seeing king take Then, his Wei that the the to
not
was
king. happened
himself and the Shang between tell Yang him what had called
to
on
according private feelings, giving priority
explained his Gong he his lord that
to
over was
Shang Gong
subject. things for Yang, told looked ominous of lord Way and the But to as
kingdom calamity. avoid flee the him
to to
relationship explain between the Chinese the Akinari does have Samon exact
not
Tanji. Seemingly, of faithfulness which this is another and and S6emon story story
killing Tanji knowledge of Akinari's of classical Chinese literature. Samon's shows
Tanji against immediately
follows the Chinese is then Samon's which story revenge on
really the should seek have Yet, behalf of Samon if S6emon. target meant to
revenge,
Tanji Tsunehisa, Tanji S6emon, detain rather than himself. Amako who ordered been
to
"• • ,• all,
Tomita Castle and murders it is Amako Tsunehisa who After
usurps
•al•f•. •,•: Tanji, only Killing does he lord, who Enya what Kamonnosuke S6emon's
punishing do, the innocent. ordered is is tantamount to to
then, faithfulness. is, than of
inserted classical Chinese As The
story story
more a
6wa
development argued, story's and works the Yasuhiro has it is embedded into
as an
(0wa
Tanji's Gong's, explanation killing Tanji 94-95). similar situation is for 1976: to
serving Shuzhuo's, and, though Tanji's high Gong is the is he
status not
moreover, as as
king previous Gong, the and is friend murdered his Like who lord who
master.
a serves
Tanji
and, time, Shang friend and relative of Yang, is Amako's the of
servant at
a same
Tanji Shang king, Gong recommends Yang the S6emon S6emon. As to to
encourages
Tanji secretly Gong Thus, Shuzhuo, should let S6emon when
Amako. like
escape serve
exemplified that, Perhaps
ominous. Akinari wanted the situation becomes
to
express as
loyal Shang Tanji Gong have been both of Shuzhuo and Yang, should in the story
to
loyalties though, conflict both with another. S6emort, Amako and this in
to case, one even
ending. inscription brings The Akinari's strict moral which about this is
It
on sense
upright." disciple,
perfectly Akinari's "obstinate and Akinari's tomb that he notes
was
Fujita Akinari associated with Gy6, describes and writes that "when Akinari "honest"
as
acquaintance. unjust, immediately this his he severed For
the if
person, a man was
grieved 'People said, accepted and in his hometown. Akinari he
in
not reason, was
Osaka
'''8 upright mind). (honest thriving and do understand naoki kokoro
not
my
circumstances,
rigidly upholding that, under
about the ethic Akinari's conviction
any a
s Gy6 Fujita t970: t49. 39
being
human should be able
live in with strict accordance standard moral
to
a
(rwa by sincerity characterized wisdom, "Chrysanthemum is reflected and Tryst" in
94-99). probably wishing Akinari 1976: upright declare created this
his
to
scene,
own
through character
clearly displays knowledge While Samon. this his of classical
scene
Chinese literature, possibly it Qian
his emotions well. As
pent
to vent
up serves as
Zhongshu (Qian has
1986), demonstrated "poetry the idea is that resentment" vent
can
Chinese
in literature. and Japan, Whether it is China such in emotions
art
common
or
9 share psychological foundation.
common a
upheld
Akinari fact, like moral code characters. his main Akinari's In strong a
main characters his for
alter
Akinari
frustration shares the characters of the
ego,
are as
well: ally frustrated Sremon is against his efforts in lord, lords his the murderer of but to
nobody
attention his
his scheme faithfulness. scholar Samon is lost but has
to pays
or
a
opportunity make
talented, of his the best talent. Akinari Feng like but to
an was
Menglong, ability
always his Intelligent recognized. upright
and like him
not
was men
always
recognized; rewarded sycophants
the
intellect low in but
not contrary,
were or on
fortunate
frequently
birth
in tendency society This rewarded. is in of true
were any
any
period. it Yet, time, all the period during his
in because
Edo the class the
was more so
imposed by people shogunal
the
the
system made it that government apparent
on a
talented of low birth would
his remain in high while low mediocre of
status,
man
a man
enjoy high birth
position could lucratively. and benefit this frustration the In of sense,
Samon and Sremon Akinari's The
reward for
Samon and Sremon
the
not was own.
was
killing Tanji, of acknowledgment but rather the by of their character act Amako
Tsunehisa, the Tanji who ordered
detain Sremon. The relates that
to
narrator man
hearing Tsunehisa, "Amako effect,
this by
the touched faithfulness between the true was
brothers did and have
his follow Samon." late the fifteenth
In the not
century, men
backdrop
"Chrysanthemum of Tryst," well Akinari's time, in
the
Japanese
as
as
own
only
exercised nominal Actual resided in provincial hands of the
emperor
power. power
lords Tsunehisa, such Amako in Akinari's military Tokugawa time
the
as government.
or
circumstances,
Under these Japanese
audience
would plausible it find if the
a
more
reward freedom
Samon's by bestowed
Amako, rather than honor conferred
was
an
on
by Samon the The in (or Tokugawa Amako family),
the
emperor.
power, man
recognized
the brothers, faithful just of the Menglong's Feng readers admired act the as
Zhang
conduct of Shi and Fan Shao. The frustration its and sublimation found the end
at
of both stories
in accord
with the age--that is, of their place time the and of
are
mores
Akinari Menglong. Feng and
Akinari greatly have deviated original from
the
to
seems
in
by this
killing last
the fleeing. brother's text and cousin segment in But
sworn
essence,
spirit follows
it the of
the Chinese
in Japanese Readers, especially
text
context.
a
scholars literati day of the both in enjoyed countries would
have stories the of or
belatedly recognized virtuous men.
Writing Style--From Akinari's Scene the Appearance of Ghost's the
There
Japanese
writers period in Edo the who hands tried their
were numerous
at
supernatural. of tales
the Among them, Akinari
recognized generally is of
the
master
as a
(Yamaguchi
90). because, This 1927: gifted writers other
world, in the he genre
was
as
manipulating had
talent for
various language--from elegant of poetic Japanese
types a to
9 Zhongshu Qian 1986: 1- 15. 40
expressions--for delineate situations. will different Chinese mundane I Japanese,
even
ghost.
of the point through of the until the examination this the
appearance
scenes
situation desire illness, the recovering his After from S6emon to
survey expresses
reunion with little for their province, him date
home but Samon in his
to set urges
a
promise unerringly and remembers
mindful of his samurai, is S6emon, strict reflection.
a
which beyond him. Since the build detain his control while the date events to events
all, he his
wherever and with
fault him S6emon's
detain turns, out at
not way no are
of tragedy. the The fact that these leads determined faithfulness
construct events to
are
expected ordinarily Tanji, be and comrade cousin, who would relative Akana his
a a own
interestingly,
unlike the sorrowful.
help Yet, situation S6emon, makes the
to
even more
in important and version, reunion is chosen of S6emon's the date Samon Chinese
a
keep appointment made commit suicide because
random
To
wants to
so an one manner.
ordinary ordinary he is arbitrarily
is indeed of S6emon
is
not
not act man; an an man. an
of integrity. ennobles death and teaches Samurai the
of intense The Book samurai
even a
thinking.l°
strategist,
why S6emon, had wonder
die without
Even
to may as so, a one one
going planned Hasebe household live of back the considered and the prospect
to to not
strongly family he wished all, what had for the of his life. After that with the rest
was
long-term delay compared of with the for. brief arrival in small one's A prospect
seems
especially ghost, living together. of the the What makes the apparatus story, so
ghost, Chinese Akinari introduces based the believable is how the
text.
upon
setting regarding First, conversation between and the of the the S6emon Samon
quick carried date is tempo: out at a
(•mi
why escaped mother, is Samon his '°l•e
Akana and from I to to
survey says reason
temporarily province. Therefore, situation the Izumo would like and then in I to return
requite practice piety. here and back favors filial Let bid farewell
to
your come me
replies, asks, now." Samon '°Then when will brother?" Akana "The return,
you my
by days asks, and fast. than this autumn." Samon At it will be later
most, not go moon
day autumn? "Let's Please do the date." Akana make the 'NVhen it
in set
answers, on
Chrysanthemum brother, "My please forget of the Festival." do Samon
not
says, me on
sprig waiting chrysanthemums this be for with of and sake wine." date. shall
I
you a
11 Having they do, could Akana left for done all the West.
piling by of short Akinari
after the
next, creates
sentences
urgency up sense a one
arbitrarily Also, coming date becomes definitive. it foreshadows the and the made so
climactic
scene.
Immediately paragraph poetic with device after this
called
starts
scene, a new a
• • quickly (pillow word): "'Newly jeweled days makura kotoba months and have
passed by, holly changed colors, the wild berries the lower branches their
on
chrysanthemums hedges colors, bloom various and month has the in the ninth in come."
describing poetic language Akinari both
the subtle and soft In
to create
scenery, uses a
atmosphere.•2 change previous paragraph change style of from indicates the The also the
of mood and time.
10 Yamamoto Tsunetomo 1979.
11
Akinari author's. Ueda 1959:51. The translations hereafter the
are
12 The festival Chinese reads: "The months rolled and the Double Ninth
story past, at
soon was
by Bishop hand." Translation 1956: 90. 41
prepared just carefully Zhang Samon has for arrival his house S6emon's to as
then, did for Shi. The from inside of house Shao shifts Fan Samon's the to
scene,
perfect version, outside. Identical the Chinese "it is weather with clouds in to autunm
no
Zhang sky." tale, the entire Shao Chinese the reader's
the follow who In eyes azure
dog's his the arrival of Shi. whenever he hears the bark of Fan In gate greet out to comes
leisurely however, fashion Akinari's in toward the directed
the reader's
story,
eyes are a
overhearing outside, excitement of check if the the travelers' idle conversations--as to
meeting onlooker. with casual this the reader becomes Samon's S6emon. At moment,
a
expectation coming relaxed Uzuki The is Hiroshi calls the climactic of in story
scene.
[• technique
(space pause), frequently the this relieve tension used
stage to
ma or on
(Uzuki long, 145). obviously its This be relaxed for it loses 1976:
cannot too too or ma
ensuing "trepidation effect relieve tension. Umberto the Eco
to to term
create
or uses
signifying time,"
delays ending" Indeed, (Eco 64). that dramatic "it the arrival of 1994: a
this which does the Chinese is effective its exist in in story, not contrast to scene,
waiting anxiousness for is brief of relief before the Samon's S6emon. It moment a
ghost. of the appearance
day mother The and the still has Samon's
S6emon
yet,
sets,
not passes sun come.
sensibly by saying
bed that "kiku iro koki calls kefu nomi ka Samon
to out to to
go
wa
no
• • chrysanthemums •- (the -• will + 73• wa" • color of the last • •: S_ © ©
even
today). following poetic saying day after is of that S6emon's arrival be the
It may way a
chrysanthemums when the will still makoto be full bloom. She then "Kaerikuru in
says:
•
shigure utsuriyuku 'J• 7•g_ da ni < 9 ni araba ;5 nani ka uramubeki" •
to
sora wa mo o
•", I• •b ¢• • • • •a, sincerity •j < • -• (If 9 • • • •2• •_ 73• •: he has the •<
--•
•'•]
[or why faithfulness should bitter back feel he
if
to to returns at
you, you come even
rain). poetic the time of the includes another sensible called device Her
autumn
comment
• • "faithfulness") "sincerity" words, (or associate
which and
"autumn
engo
or are
''13 through sadly faithfulness word, rain. The theme of the in resounds its associate story
bright chrysanthemums previous rain. color of the the her in In to autumn contrast
appeals pleasant which the visual the sound of showers is sentence, to autumn to sense,
audible the
sense.
does, persuades character main in first his the Chinese Just Samon
story
as a
sleep mother S6emon, wait for and then continues if the reader intoxicated. As to to
as
becomes sympathetic anxiety, informed of with he becomes Samon's and
more more
again only worried about, Milky about Way but
Samon look Samon. the
out to
goes sees
shimmering bright
lonely shedding light original "the and its him." The of
text
moon on
phrase, bright shedding lonely light "hy6rin the "the is nomi its him"
moon on ware o
(• • • @ pJ< ,• sabishiki terashite • ni" • literal translation is •r_. L 1• Its Z" ©
actually icy shedding light intensifying "the
wheel is loneliness."
its moon's the
me, on
0wa
Y!/2 signifies (me) The word (1976: 96-99) both has Samon and the reader. As ware
pointed the has heretofore reader who outside becomes been onlooker from
out,
one an
language
through words, with this the of which refers other Samon In moment. at
ware
both reader, and the of mind of Samon Samon's and that the reader's become to
state
lonely moonlight, completely united. Under the drawn into world of the reader is the
directly description Milky moonlight Akinari's fiction. Way This of the and the
comes
•3 Ueda Akinari 1959: 53. 42
referring from Chinese version, the
in Chinese the does the word But story.
to not ware
that Zhang the distance
between maintained. and the reader is
appear so
phrases
Akinari atmosphere: adds then describe desolate its "noki
two to
more
hoyuru
•: inu sumiwatari, y6 koe tachikuru uranami koko ni
nari"
oto moto moru zo no
watchdog's air, bay bark resounds in the clear and the sound &the in heard
waves are as
surging place dog's stood). bark, if which the where he The in the Chinese story to
by Zhang for Fan, here caused Shao look is used Akinari enhance the forlorn mood to to
night. phrase, the middle &the The last in "the sound of the waves...," will remind those
of Genji Genji who of The Tale Foley loneliness know the John Miles Bay. of Suma at
has that "individual written individual audience and member reader draw from
poet
or a
by unifying--but explicitly extraperformance of selected the and spectrum
responses
(Foley 7). of tradition" extratextual--context &the is "The sound waves..." of 1995:
part
referentiality" "submerged the frame Japanese "traditional of beneath which the surface
single [wherein] only element of the tale lies wealth of associations under accessible
or
a
metonymic interpretation" (Foley representation of the 42). and 11, 1991: agreement
Genji anxiety through Pathos and which suffered Bay and heroes Suma past at
up surge
intensifying Samon, loneliness. the
just Then,
Chinese like the the mountains the behind
story,
sets even moon
leaving give coming the black. is shadow When dim about
Samon he
to
up, area sees a
riding him, Imagine night, something approaching wind. toward faint dark the
on a on as
something recognizable the blows. wind icy is when the That blue residue of the
moonlight ghost. prelude spirit shines of it--it is The S6emon has with the of the
on a
moonlight ghost title of the the darkness which collection in The the of Fan suggests.
as
• • (black Exactly shadow).
Shi is described ying hei characters the
appears
as same
"Chrysanthemum rendering Tryst." used in is flexible. Japanese Akinari's Yet,
are
heiying Ordinarily, reading, kurokage read kokuei Japanese the in kun in the
are as on or
reading, meaning kageroi Instead, alongside both writes "black shadow." Akinari the
shimmering characters, which reminds readers of heated air. As Komatsu Masuo
states,
image flickering by giving kageroi Akinari the of unstable darkness wants to to
express
(Komatsu 121). the characters 1974:
simmering ghost image of The the is described with translucent and
appearance a
beautiful and within the darkness. This is the of the story,
most austere
scene
epitomizing atmosphere pathos. faithfulness the of of in The S6emon's horrific end story
intensely lonely telling atmosphere. is under this That terminates his life told but he
to
registered keep promise--i.e.,
of his the in faithfulness--is the reader's mind act
extreme
neo'classical
only plausible fatal. literature and Akinari considers that those who write
as
by choosing feelings appropriate the their best served words without
most
to
express are
14 freely points grammatical restriction of the Nakamura Yukihiko rules. Akinari As out,
characters, both the words of Chinese the ancient and Chinese contemporary
uses
poetic (Nakamura 54). with Japanese characters the rendition of words is It 1961: 253-
precisely imagery supernatural of unrestrained of Akinari's because his diction that the
expands. world refracts and
14
techniques grammatically unacceptable Nakamura Akinari's Yukihiko from the that notes
were
•W •k •d• J• viewpoint grammarians Norinaga of classical 1801). (1730- like Motoori Nakamura
Yukihiko, 1961: 253. 43
Using Juqing's Friendship" injecting distinctly Eternal "Fan foundation and
as a
"Chrysanthemum Japanese Tryst," elements his created Japanese into Akinari
a
"Chrysanthemum supernatural. Juqing's Friendship" masterwork of the Eternal and "Fan
self-expressions unrecognized Tryst" of the of different of different cultures
are men
premises by changing demonstrated, times. of recreated his basic As Akinari the story
family culturally the and them such characters' make
story, structure, status
to
as more
plausible sensitivity. audience aesthetic Japanese the Japanese and suit In
to to
more a
addition, Akinari, educated and Japanese knew traditional Chinese and
art
man, as an
writing skillfully style well. His reveals how he used allusions traditional poetry
to
manipulation language registers, freely borrowing Japanese and literature and of while art
language original strengthen believability Chinese from the Chinese the of his
texts to
following major using result, while framework of the and As the story. story,
even a
Juqing's Friendship," "Chrysanthemum Tryst" from became diction Eternal "Fan
a
story. distinctively Japanese
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