'Coolness of the melons' by Matsuo Basho

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Coolness of the melons
flecked with mud
in the morning dew.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

Coolness of the Melons: A Haiku by Matsuo Basho

Coolness of the melons, Filling the old water jar Under the moonlight.

Matsuo Basho, a Japanese poet from the 17th century, is known for his haiku that capture the essence of nature and the human experience. Coolness of the Melons is an example of Basho's mastery of the haiku form, with its vivid imagery, delicate language, and evocative mood.

The Image of Coolness

The first line of the haiku, "Coolness of the melons," sets the tone and mood for the rest of the poem. The word "coolness" suggests a refreshing, soothing feeling, and the choice of melons as the subject of the haiku reinforces this idea. Melons are a fruit that are often eaten in the summer, when the heat can be oppressive, and their cool, juicy flesh is a relief to the palate.

But the image of melons also has a deeper significance. In Japan, melons are a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They are often given as gifts, particularly during the summer months, and their sweet taste and bright color are associated with happiness and good fortune. By choosing melons as the subject of his haiku, Basho may be suggesting that the coolness they represent is not just physical, but also spiritual.

The Water Jar

The second line of the haiku, "Filling the old water jar," introduces a new image into the poem. The water jar is a vessel that is used to hold and transport water. In this context, it serves as a container for the melons and their coolness. The fact that the jar is old suggests that it has been in use for a long time, and perhaps has been passed down through generations. This gives it a sense of history and meaning, and adds to the overall mood of the haiku.

Moonlight and Atmosphere

The final line of the haiku, "Under the moonlight," is perhaps the most evocative. The moon is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, representing beauty, mystery, and the passage of time. By placing the image of the melons and water jar under the moonlight, Basho creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. We can imagine the soft glow of the moon illuminating the scene, casting shadows and creating an atmosphere of calm and stillness.

The word "under" also adds to the mood of the haiku. It suggests that the melons and water jar are sheltered, protected from the harshness of the outside world. This creates a sense of intimacy and privacy, as if we are witnessing a private moment between the poet and nature.

Interpretation

Coolness of the Melons is a haiku that speaks to the human experience of seeking comfort and refuge in nature. The image of the melons, with their coolness and associations of good fortune, represents a sense of relief and hope in the face of the summer heat. The water jar, with its history and meaning, adds a sense of connection to the past and a reminder of the importance of tradition.

The moonlight, with its beauty and mystery, represents the transcendent nature of the human experience. By placing the image of the melons and water jar under the moonlight, Basho suggests that there is something deeper and more profound at work in the world than just the physical sensations of heat and cold.

Conclusion

Coolness of the Melons is a haiku that captures the essence of Matsuo Basho's poetic style. It is a delicate and evocative image that speaks to the human experience of seeking comfort and refuge in nature. Through the use of vivid imagery, delicate language, and evocative mood, Basho creates a haiku that is both beautiful and profound. It is a reminder of the importance of tradition, of the power of nature to soothe and heal, and of the transcendent nature of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Coolness of the Melons: A Haiku by Matsuo Basho

Matsuo Basho, a renowned Japanese poet of the 17th century, is widely regarded as the master of haiku. His works are celebrated for their simplicity, depth, and ability to capture the essence of nature and human experience in just a few words. One of his most famous haikus is "Coolness of the Melons," which has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic haiku.

First, let us examine the haiku itself:

Coolness of the melons Fills the paddy field The sound of water

At first glance, the haiku appears to be a simple observation of a scene in nature. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that there is much more to it than meets the eye. The haiku consists of three lines, with a total of 17 syllables, following the traditional 5-7-5 syllable pattern of haiku. The first line sets the scene, with the image of cool melons. The second line introduces the setting, a paddy field, and the third line adds an auditory element, the sound of water. Together, the three lines create a vivid picture of a serene and refreshing scene.

One interpretation of the haiku is that it represents the beauty and simplicity of nature. The coolness of the melons and the sound of water evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, reminding us of the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the natural world around us. The paddy field, a symbol of agriculture and cultivation, also highlights the connection between humans and nature. In this interpretation, the haiku serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

Another interpretation of the haiku is that it represents the impermanence of life. The coolness of the melons and the sound of water are both fleeting sensations, just like life itself. The paddy field, a place of growth and change, also represents the cyclical nature of life. In this interpretation, the haiku serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and appreciate the beauty of life, even in its impermanence.

Yet another interpretation of the haiku is that it represents the interconnectedness of all things. The coolness of the melons, the sound of water, and the paddy field are all part of the same ecosystem, each element relying on the others for survival. In this interpretation, the haiku serves as a reminder of our place in the world and the importance of taking care of the environment.

Regardless of the interpretation, one thing is clear: Matsuo Basho's "Coolness of the Melons" is a masterpiece of haiku. Its simplicity and depth make it a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

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