Japanese classic prose

Author: Gao Huiqin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Japanese people are accustomed to seeing the vast ocean in a drop of water and excel at creating bonsai-style art. Isn't prose a form of "micro-sculpture"? Through the observation of small things, both from above and below, it reveals the essence of life and the mysteries of the universe. Those short and exquisite prose pieces don't perfectly demonstrate the wisdom of the Japanese? As a scholar once said, the "weakness" of Japanese in terms of syllables and intonation makes it easy for poetry to become prose and for prose to become poetic. However, every coin has two sides, and every flaw has its advantage. Isn't the result the promotion and flourishing of prose? As early as the 10th century, Japan had aliterature titled "The Pillow Book," written by the court lady Sei Shonagon. Based on her experiences in the palace, she recorded her observations, hearsays, and thoughts. Though not intentionally, she became the pioneer of Japanese and an immortal masterpiece for ages.