'The morning glory also' by Matsuo Basho


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The morning glory also
turns out
not to be my friend.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Morning Glory: A Masterpiece of Haiku Artistry

Have you ever looked at a flower and felt overwhelmed by its beauty? Have you ever experienced a moment of pure tranquility while gazing at a garden? If so, then you can understand the profound impact that The Morning Glory by Matsuo Basho has had on the world of literature.

This classic haiku, written in the 17th century, captures the essence of a single moment in time, and it does so with such elegance and mastery that it has become a timeless masterpiece. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, techniques, and symbols that Basho employs in this haiku and understand why it continues to inspire generations of poets and readers.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis of The Morning Glory, let's first take a look at the poem itself:

The morning glory,

Asks not for the sun's

Warmth.

At first glance, this haiku might seem simple, almost mundane. It describes a morning glory flower, a common sight in gardens, and suggests that it does not need the sun's warmth to thrive. However, as we will soon discover, there is much more to this poem than meets the eye.

The Themes

One of the most striking themes of The Morning Glory is the idea of self-sufficiency. The flower, as Basho describes it, does not need the sun's warmth to survive. This concept is a metaphor for the human condition, where we often feel that we need external factors to sustain us. Basho reminds us that, like the morning glory, we too have an inherent strength and resilience that we can tap into.

Another theme that emerges from this haiku is the power of nature. The morning glory, despite its delicate appearance, is a testament to the vast reserves of strength that nature possesses. Basho encourages us to appreciate the beauty and power of the world around us, and to recognize that we are just a small part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem.

Finally, The Morning Glory also speaks to the fleeting nature of existence. The beauty of the flower is ephemeral, and it will eventually wither away. This idea of impermanence is a common theme in Japanese literature and philosophy, and Basho captures it beautifully in this haiku.

The Techniques

Basho's mastery of haiku is on full display in The Morning Glory. He employs several techniques to convey his message and create a vivid image in the reader's mind.

One of the most noticeable techniques is his use of personification. By giving the morning glory the ability to "ask" for warmth, Basho imbues the flower with a sense of agency and personality. This personification allows the reader to connect with the flower on a deeper level, and to understand its resilience and strength.

Basho also creates a sense of harmony in this haiku by using a kireji, or cutting word. The word "Asks" serves as a break between the two lines of the poem and creates a sense of pause and reflection. This pause allows the reader to fully appreciate the beauty of the morning glory and to reflect on the themes that the poem presents.

Finally, Basho's use of language is masterful in this haiku. The word "warmth" is simple yet evocative, conjuring images of comfort and safety. By using this word to describe the sun's rays, Basho creates a sense of contrast with the morning glory's ability to thrive without it.

The Symbols

As with many haikus, The Morning Glory is rich in symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols is the morning glory itself. This flower is often associated with fleeting beauty and impermanence, as it only blooms for a short period of time each day. Basho uses the morning glory to remind us of the transience of life and the importance of appreciating the present moment.

The sun is also a symbol in this haiku, representing warmth, comfort, and sustenance. By suggesting that the morning glory does not need the sun's warmth, Basho is making a statement about the strength and resilience of nature. He is also encouraging us to find our own sources of strength and sustenance, rather than relying solely on external factors.

The Interpretation

Ultimately, The Morning Glory is a poem about finding beauty and strength in unexpected places. Basho encourages us to appreciate the power of nature and to recognize our own resilience and self-sufficiency. He reminds us that beauty and strength can be found even in the most delicate and fleeting things, like a morning glory flower.

This haiku is a perfect example of the power of simplicity in literature. Basho's economy of language and vivid imagery create a powerful and lasting image in the reader's mind. The Morning Glory is a testament to the enduring legacy of haiku and the mastery of Matsuo Basho.

In conclusion, The Morning Glory is a masterpiece of haiku artistry that continues to inspire readers and poets alike. It speaks to the beauty of nature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the fleeting nature of existence. Basho's use of personification, harmony, language, and symbolism create a powerful and lasting image that will stay with readers long after they have read the poem.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Morning Glory: A Haiku by Matsuo Basho

Matsuo Basho, the famous Japanese poet, is known for his haikus that capture the essence of nature and life. One of his most famous haikus is "The Morning Glory," which is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that has captured the hearts of many readers.

The morning glory is a flower that blooms in the morning and withers away by the afternoon. It is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of all things. Basho's haiku captures this essence perfectly, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet.

The haiku reads:

The morning glory, In the morning dew, it fades - But still it blooms.

At first glance, the haiku seems simple and straightforward. However, upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper meaning that is both profound and moving.

The morning glory is a flower that is known for its beauty and fragility. It blooms in the morning and withers away by the afternoon, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life. The morning dew is a symbol of freshness and new beginnings, and it is a reminder that every day is a new opportunity to start afresh.

Basho's haiku captures the beauty and fragility of the morning glory, and it reminds us that even though life is fleeting, it is still worth living. The morning glory may wither away, but it still blooms, and this is a testament to the resilience of life.

The haiku also has a deeper philosophical meaning. It is a reminder that everything in life is impermanent and that nothing lasts forever. The morning glory may bloom for a short while, but it will eventually wither away. This is a reminder that we should cherish every moment of our lives and make the most of the time we have.

The haiku also has a spiritual meaning. It is a reminder that life is a cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death. The morning glory is a symbol of this cycle, and it reminds us that everything in life is interconnected. The morning dew represents the beginning of the cycle, and the withering of the flower represents the end of the cycle. This is a reminder that everything in life is connected, and that we are all part of a larger whole.

Basho's haiku is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that has captured the hearts of many readers. It is a testament to his skill as a poet, and it is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. The haiku is a reminder that life is fleeting, but it is still worth living, and that we should cherish every moment of our lives.

In conclusion, "The Morning Glory" is a beautiful and thought-provoking haiku that captures the essence of nature and life. It is a reminder that life is fleeting, but it is still worth living, and that we should cherish every moment of our lives. The haiku is a testament to Basho's skill as a poet, and it is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

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