'Stillness' by Matsuo Basho


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Stillness--
the cicada's cry
drills into the rocks.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

Stillness: A Haiku by Matsuo Basho

When it comes to haiku, few names stand taller than Matsuo Basho, arguably the greatest poet in the history of the art form. Born in Japan in the 17th century, Basho revolutionized haiku with his emphasis on simplicity, natural imagery, and the power of suggestion. His poems, like miniature windows into the natural world, have inspired countless artists and writers over the centuries. One of his most famous works is the haiku "Stillness," a three-line masterpiece that captures the essence of Zen Buddhism and the beauty of nature in just 17 syllables.

The Poem:

Stillness—
the cicada's cry
drills into the rocks.

At first glance, "Stillness" appears to be a paradoxical title for a haiku about a noisy insect. Yet, as with many of Basho's poems, the paradox is intentional and reveals a deeper truth. The word "stillness" suggests a sense of calm, tranquility, and silence, but the cicada's cry disrupts that stillness with its piercing shrillness. The juxtaposition of the two ideas creates a tension that forces the reader to confront the impermanence and unpredictability of the natural world.

Interpretation:

The cicada, a common insect in Japan, has long been a symbol of summer and youth. Its cry, which can be heard from miles away, is both a celebration of life and a reminder of its fleeting nature. Basho's use of the verb "drills" to describe the cicada's cry suggests a sense of persistence and endurance, as if the insect is trying to make its mark on the world before it dies. The image of the cry "drilling into the rocks" further emphasizes the cicada's determination and the power of its voice to reverberate throughout the environment.

However, the juxtaposition of the cicada's cry with the stillness of the surrounding rocks also suggests a sense of futility. The rocks, which are ancient and seemingly eternal, are unmoved by the cicada's cry. The insect's voice is just one small part of the larger natural world, and its existence is temporary. The haiku thus captures the Buddhist concept of impermanence, the idea that all things are constantly changing and that nothing lasts forever.

Literary Criticism:

"Stillness" is a masterful example of the power of suggestion in haiku. Basho uses just a few words to create a vivid image that suggests a much larger truth. The poem is rich in symbolism and metaphor, with each element carefully chosen to convey a specific meaning. The cicada, for example, is not just any insect, but a specific symbol of youth and vitality. The rocks, meanwhile, represent the stability and permanence of the natural world.

The haiku also demonstrates Basho's skill in using kireji, or "cutting words," to create a sense of pause and contrast between the lines. In this case, the dash after "Stillness" creates a moment of silence and anticipation that is shattered by the sudden intrusion of the cicada's cry. The contrast between the two creates a sense of tension that forces the reader to confront the impermanence of life and the power of nature to disrupt our sense of calm.

Conclusion:

"Stillness" is a timeless masterpiece of haiku that captures the beauty and fragility of life in just 17 syllables. Through its use of symbolism, metaphor, and contrast, the poem evokes a sense of calm and stillness that is suddenly shattered by the cicada's cry. The haiku forces the reader to confront the impermanence of all things and the power of nature to disrupt our sense of stability and permanence. It is a testament to Basho's skill as a poet and his ability to find beauty and meaning in the smallest moments of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Stillness: A Haiku by Matsuo Basho

Matsuo Basho, the famous Japanese poet, is known for his mastery of haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry. His haiku, Stillness, is a perfect example of his skill in capturing the essence of nature in just a few words. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning behind this classic haiku.

The haiku, Stillness, goes as follows:

The old pond,
A frog jumps in:
Plop!

At first glance, this haiku may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer inspection, one can see the depth and complexity of the poem. The poem is divided into three lines, with the first and second lines describing the scene and the third line providing a sound effect.

The first line, "The old pond," sets the scene for the haiku. The use of the word "old" suggests that the pond has been there for a long time, and it has become a part of the natural landscape. The word "pond" also gives the reader an image of a small body of water, surrounded by trees and other vegetation.

The second line, "A frog jumps in," introduces the main character of the haiku. The frog is a common symbol in Japanese poetry, representing the beauty and simplicity of nature. The act of jumping into the pond also suggests movement and action, which contrasts with the stillness of the pond.

The third line, "Plop!" provides a sound effect that completes the haiku. The sound of the frog jumping into the pond creates ripples in the water, disrupting the stillness of the pond. The use of onomatopoeia in this line adds to the sensory experience of the haiku, allowing the reader to imagine the sound of the frog jumping into the water.

The haiku, Stillness, is a perfect example of the concept of "ma" in Japanese aesthetics. "Ma" refers to the space between objects, which creates a sense of stillness and emptiness. In this haiku, the stillness of the pond is contrasted with the movement of the frog, creating a sense of tension and balance. The use of "ma" in this haiku also allows the reader to appreciate the beauty of nature in its simplest form.

Another important aspect of this haiku is the use of kigo, or seasonal words. In Japanese poetry, kigo are words that are associated with a particular season, and they help to create a sense of time and place. In this haiku, the word "frog" is a kigo for spring, as it is during this season that frogs are most active. The use of kigo in this haiku adds to the sensory experience, allowing the reader to imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of spring.

The haiku, Stillness, is also an example of the use of "cutting words" in Japanese poetry. Cutting words, or "kireji," are words that are used to create a pause or break in the poem. In this haiku, the cutting word is "in," which creates a pause between the second and third lines. This pause allows the reader to reflect on the image of the frog jumping into the pond, and it adds to the overall sense of stillness and emptiness in the poem.

In conclusion, the haiku, Stillness, by Matsuo Basho, is a masterpiece of Japanese poetry. Through the use of sensory imagery, seasonal words, cutting words, and the concept of "ma," Basho is able to capture the essence of nature in just a few words. This haiku is a testament to the beauty and simplicity of Japanese poetry, and it continues to inspire poets and readers around the world.

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