'The old pond' by Matsuo Basho
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Following are several translations
of the 'Old Pond' poem, which may be
the most famous of all haiku:
Furuike ya
kawazu tobikomu
mizu no oto
-- Basho
Literal Translation
Fu-ru (old) i-ke (pond) ya,
ka-wa-zu (frog) to-bi-ko-mu (jumping into)
mi-zu (water) no o-to (sound)
Translated by Fumiko Saisho
The old pond--
a frog jumps in,
sound of water.
Translated by Robert Hass
Old pond...
a frog jumps in
water's sound.
Translated by William J. Higginson
An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
Translated by Harry Behn
There is the old pond!
Lo, into it jumps a frog:
hark, water's music!
Translated by John Bryan
The silent old pond
a mirror of ancient calm,
a frog-leaps-in splash.
Translated by Dion O'Donnol
old pond
frog leaping
splash
Translated by Cid Corman
Antic pond--
frantic frog jumps in--
gigantic sound.
Translated by Bernard Lionel Einbond
MAFIA HIT MAN POET: NOTE FOUND PINNED TO LAPEL
OF DROWNED VICTIM'S DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT!!!
'Dere wasa dis frogg
Gone jumpa offa da logg
Now he inna bogg.'
-- Anonymous
Translated by George M. Young, Jr.
Old pond
leap -- splash
a frog.
Translated by Lucien Stryck
The old pond,
A frog jumps in:.
Plop!
Translated by Allan Watts
The old pond, yes, and
A frog is jumping into
The water, and splash.
Translated by G.S. Fraser
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Old Pond: A Classic Haiku by Matsuo Basho
If there's one thing that literary critics and poetry enthusiasts can agree on, it's that The Old Pond by Matsuo Basho is a timeless masterpiece. This haiku, which consists of only three lines, has captivated readers for centuries, and continues to inspire modern poets with its sheer simplicity and depth of meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the various aspects of this classic haiku, and explore why it still holds so much power and resonance today.
The Structure and Form of The Old Pond
Before we dive into the deeper meanings of The Old Pond, let's take a moment to appreciate the haiku's structure and form. As mentioned earlier, the haiku consists of only three lines, and follows the traditional 5-7-5 syllable count. This strict form may seem limiting, but in fact, it is one of the key reasons why haikus are so powerful. By adhering to a strict syllable count, poets must carefully choose each and every word, condensing their thoughts and emotions into the barest essentials.
The Old Pond is a perfect example of this. Let's take a look at the haiku line by line:
An old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond—
Splash! Silence again.
The first line sets the stage, describing an old, silent pond. The use of the word "old" immediately evokes a sense of timelessness and history, while "silent" suggests a certain stillness and calmness. The second line introduces action into this serene scene, as a frog jumps into the pond. Finally, the third line brings us back to silence, but does so with a new understanding - the silence now feels different, as if it has been imbued with new meaning and significance.
The Themes of Nature and Transience
As with many haikus, The Old Pond is deeply rooted in themes of nature and transience. The pond, frog, and silence are all natural elements, and the haiku captures both the beauty and impermanence of these things. The frog's splash creates ripples in the water, disrupting the previously still surface, and reminding us that even the most peaceful scenes can be fleeting.
Moreover, the haiku's use of contrast - between the old, silent pond and the sudden, noisy intrusion of the frog - highlights the transience of all things. The pond may be old and steadfast, but even it is subject to change and impermanence. The frog, on the other hand, is a symbol of life and vitality, but its sudden appearance and disappearance remind us of the fleeting nature of existence.
The Symbolism of the Frog
While The Old Pond is often read as a simple depiction of nature and transience, the haiku's use of symbolism adds another layer of meaning to the poem. The frog, for example, can be read as a symbol of rebirth or renewal. Its sudden appearance and disappearance suggests a cycle of life and death, reminding us of the cyclical nature of nature itself.
Similarly, the frog can also be read as a symbol of disruption or change. Its splash shatters the stillness of the pond, and its presence reminds us that even the most peaceful scenes can be upended at a moment's notice. In this way, the frog can be seen as a harbinger of change or a reminder of the impermanence of all things.
The Power of Silence
Finally, let's take a moment to appreciate the power of silence in The Old Pond. The haiku's use of silence - both in the description of the pond and in the final line - creates a sense of depth and mystery that is hard to capture in words. The silence, in a way, is the focal point of the haiku. It is what makes the frog's splash so jarring and significant, and what imbues the final line with a sense of awe and wonder.
Furthermore, the silence in The Old Pond can be read as a metaphor for the unsayable or the ineffable. Like the pond, some things are simply too vast or too profound to put into words. And yet, even in this silence, there is meaning and significance to be found.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Old Pond by Matsuo Basho is a classic haiku that continues to captivate readers with its simplicity and depth of meaning. Through its depiction of nature and transience, its use of symbolism, and its powerful use of silence, the haiku captures the beauty and ephemerality of life in a way that is both timeless and universal. It is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and inspire wonder - even in just three lines.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Old Pond: A Haiku Masterpiece by Matsuo Basho
Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that has been practiced for centuries. It is a concise and evocative form of poetry that captures the essence of a moment or experience. One of the most famous haikus ever written is "The Old Pond" by Matsuo Basho. This haiku is a masterpiece of simplicity and depth, and it has inspired countless poets and artists over the years.
The Old Pond is a three-line poem that goes like this:
An old pond A frog jumps in The sound of water
At first glance, this haiku may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a wealth of meaning and symbolism. Let's take a closer look at each line and explore the deeper meanings behind them.
The first line, "An old pond," sets the scene for the haiku. It creates an image of a still and peaceful body of water that has been around for a long time. The use of the word "old" suggests that this pond has a history and a sense of permanence. It is not just any pond, but a pond that has been there for a long time and has become a part of the landscape.
The second line, "A frog jumps in," introduces movement and action into the haiku. The sudden appearance of the frog disrupts the stillness of the pond and creates ripples on the surface of the water. The frog is a symbol of life and vitality, and its sudden appearance adds a sense of energy and excitement to the haiku.
The third line, "The sound of water," is perhaps the most evocative and mysterious line of the haiku. It suggests that the sound of the water is somehow significant or meaningful. The sound of the water could represent the passing of time, the cycle of life and death, or the impermanence of all things. It could also represent the sound of enlightenment or the sound of the universe. The ambiguity of this line is what makes it so powerful and thought-provoking.
When we look at the haiku as a whole, we can see that it is a meditation on the nature of existence. The old pond represents the timeless and eternal aspect of life, while the frog represents the fleeting and impermanent aspect of life. The sound of water represents the mystery and wonder of existence, and the haiku as a whole invites us to contemplate the meaning of our own lives.
One of the reasons why The Old Pond is such a powerful haiku is its use of imagery and symbolism. The image of the old pond is a powerful one, and it creates a sense of stillness and timelessness. The sudden appearance of the frog disrupts this stillness and creates a sense of movement and change. The sound of water is a mysterious and evocative image that suggests a deeper meaning beyond what we can see or hear.
Another reason why The Old Pond is such a powerful haiku is its use of language. The haiku is written in a simple and direct style, but it is also rich in meaning and symbolism. The use of the word "old" in the first line creates a sense of history and permanence, while the use of the word "jumps" in the second line creates a sense of suddenness and surprise. The use of the word "sound" in the third line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the sound of the water is somehow significant or meaningful.
The Old Pond is also a great example of the power of haiku as a form of poetry. Haiku is a concise and evocative form of poetry that captures the essence of a moment or experience. It is a form of poetry that encourages us to slow down and pay attention to the world around us. The Old Pond is a perfect example of this, as it invites us to contemplate the meaning of life and existence through the simple image of an old pond and a jumping frog.
In conclusion, The Old Pond by Matsuo Basho is a masterpiece of haiku poetry. It is a simple and evocative poem that captures the essence of life and existence. Its use of imagery and symbolism creates a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of existence. The Old Pond is a reminder to slow down and pay attention to the world around us, and to contemplate the deeper meaning of our own lives.
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