'Before the white chrysanthemum' by Yosa Buson

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Before the white chrysanthemum
the scissors hesitate
a moment.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

Before the White Chrysanthemum: A Haiku by Yosa Buson

Every word in a haiku is chosen with great care. Each syllable is weighted with meaning, and the order in which they are arranged is just as important. Such is the case with Yosa Buson's "Before the white chrysanthemum," a classic haiku that has withstood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at this poem, examining its structure, meaning, and significance.

The Structure of the Haiku

Before we dive into the meaning of the poem, let's first take a look at its structure. A haiku is a three-line poem with a strict syllabic pattern of 5-7-5. Buson's poem adheres to this pattern:

Before the white chrysanthemum,
the scissors hesitate
a moment.

The first line sets the scene, describing the setting in which the action takes place. The second line introduces an action, and the third line provides a twist or unexpected element that forces the reader to re-evaluate the poem's meaning.

The Meaning of the Haiku

On the surface, Buson's haiku is a simple description of a scene: someone stands before a white chrysanthemum, hesitating before cutting it with scissors. But as with any good haiku, there is more to it than meets the eye.

The white chrysanthemum is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture, representing death and mourning. It is often used in funeral arrangements and is associated with the Emperor, who is known as the "Chrysanthemum Throne." By placing the chrysanthemum at the center of the poem, Buson immediately creates a sense of weightiness and significance.

The scissors, too, are a loaded symbol. They represent the power to cut and shape, to create and destroy. In this context, the act of cutting the chrysanthemum takes on a greater significance. It is not just a simple act of pruning, but a representation of life and death.

But why does the person hesitate? This moment of indecision is what gives the poem its power. It forces the reader to pause and consider what is happening. Is the person hesitating because they are unsure if they want to cut the chrysanthemum? Or is it because they are hesitant to bring about death? The answer is left open to interpretation.

The final line, "a moment," serves as a kind of punctuation mark, emphasizing the importance of the hesitation. This isn't just a passing moment, but a significant one.

The Significance of the Haiku

Buson's haiku is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the power of symbolism in poetry. By using the white chrysanthemum and the scissors, Buson is able to convey complex emotions and ideas with just a few words.

Secondly, the poem captures the essence of haiku. Haiku is all about distilling a moment or an emotion into its essence. By focusing on this one moment of hesitation, Buson is able to create a sense of timelessness and universality.

Finally, the poem is significant because of its ambiguity. The hesitation could be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. This openness to interpretation is what makes haiku so powerful. It allows the reader to bring their own experiences and emotions to the poem, making it a deeply personal experience.

Conclusion

"Before the white chrysanthemum" is a masterful haiku that demonstrates the power of symbolism and ambiguity in poetry. By focusing on a single moment of hesitation, Yosa Buson is able to convey complex emotions and ideas with just a few carefully chosen words. The poem is a testament to the power of haiku, and its ability to capture the essence of a moment or emotion in its purest form.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Before the white chrysanthemum,

The scissors hesitate

A moment.

These simple yet profound words are the essence of the classic haiku written by Yosa Buson. The poem captures a moment of hesitation, a moment of contemplation, and a moment of beauty. In just three lines, Buson manages to convey a deep sense of emotion and meaning that has captivated readers for centuries.

The first line of the haiku sets the scene. We are presented with an image of a white chrysanthemum, a flower that is often associated with purity and innocence. The use of the word "before" suggests that the flower is not yet fully formed, that it is still in the process of becoming. This creates a sense of anticipation, as if we are waiting for something to happen.

In the second line, we are introduced to the scissors. The use of the word "hesitate" suggests that the scissors are not sure what to do. They are perhaps unsure of their purpose, or perhaps they are hesitant to cut the delicate flower. This creates a sense of tension, as if something important is about to happen.

The third line of the haiku brings everything together. The word "moment" suggests that this is a fleeting experience, something that will not last forever. The hesitation of the scissors is captured in this moment, as if time has stood still. The beauty of the white chrysanthemum is also captured in this moment, as if it is frozen in time.

The haiku is a perfect example of the power of poetry to capture a moment in time. It is a snapshot of a single moment, but it is also much more than that. It is a meditation on the nature of beauty, on the fragility of life, and on the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the world around us.

The white chrysanthemum is a symbol of purity and innocence, but it is also a symbol of transience. The flower blooms for only a short time before it withers and dies. The scissors, on the other hand, are a symbol of action and change. They have the power to cut and shape the world around us, but they also have the power to destroy.

The hesitation of the scissors in the haiku is a reflection of our own hesitation in the face of beauty and transience. We are often hesitant to appreciate the beauty around us, perhaps because we are afraid of losing it. We are also hesitant to take action, perhaps because we are afraid of the consequences.

But the haiku reminds us that it is important to take a moment to appreciate the world around us, even if it is fleeting. It is also important to take action, even if it is difficult. The beauty of the white chrysanthemum is a reminder that life is precious and that we should make the most of every moment.

In conclusion, the haiku Before the white chrysanthemum is a powerful meditation on the nature of beauty, transience, and action. It captures a single moment in time, but it also speaks to something much deeper. It reminds us of the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the world around us, and of the importance of taking action, even if it is difficult. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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