PowerPoint Presentation

Poetry

Japan

HaikuJapanese verse form, notable for its compression and suggestiveness. Consists of three unrhymed lines of 5-7-5Traditionally and ideally, it presents a pair of contrasting images (time & place vs. vivid but fleeting observation)Working together, they evoke mood and emotionThe poet does not comment on the connection but leaves the synthesis of the two images for the reader to perceive

Writers of the HaikuMatsuo Basho considered to have written the most perfect example of the form (5-7-5)Yosa BusonKobayashi IssaMasuoka Shiki

Origin of the HaikuFrom the earlier linked-verse form known as the renga which was used extensively by Zen Buddhist monks in the 15th and 16th centuries.In the next 200 years, the verse form achieved its greatest popularity and success.The precise and concise nature of Haiku influenced the early 20th century Anglo-American poetic movement known as imagismThe writing of Haiku is still practiced by thousands of Japanese who annually publish outstanding examples in the many magazines devoted to the art.

Microsoft Encarta 2009, 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation

HaikuFuruike ya/ Kawazu tobikomu/ Mizunooto.-Basho

An old silent pondIII. The ancient pond A frog jumps into the pond, A frog leaps inSplash! Silence again. The Sound of the Water

Old dark sleepy poolIV. There is an old pondQuick unexpected I heard a sound of waterFrog which a frog made when it dove Goes plop! Watersplash! into the pond.-Toshiya Matsunaga

A morning glory!And so today may seemMy own life-story.

- Moritake

The summer grasses grow.Of mighty warriors splendid dreamsthe afterglow.

-Basho

On a withered branchA crow has settled autumn nightfall.

- Basho

Fallen petals riseback to the branch I watchohbutterflies.

- Moritake

The distant mountainsreflected in the pupilsof the dragonfly.

- Issa

Group activity

Make your own haiku.Choose only one on the following topics:LoveHappinessAngerLifeLoneliness