'What fish feel' by Matsuo Basho

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What fish feel,
birds feel, I don't know--
the year ending.


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

What Fish Feel: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever looked into a body of water and wondered what the fish are feeling? Matsuo Basho, the renowned 17th century Japanese poet, did just that in his classic haiku "What fish feel." In just three lines, Basho captures the essence of the fish's experience and invites us to reflect on our own empathy.

The Haiku

Before diving into the interpretation, let's first take a look at the haiku itself:

What fish feel,

I cannot guess,

But tears are in their eyes.

As with all haiku, "What fish feel" consists of three lines. The first line presents the topic or subject, while the second line serves as a shift or contrast. The third line then provides a resolution or conclusion.

In this haiku, Basho starts by acknowledging his inability to fully understand the fish's experience. However, he then offers a powerful image of the fish shedding tears, suggesting that they too feel emotions that we, as humans, can relate to.

Interpreting the Haiku

At its core, "What fish feel" is a meditation on empathy. Basho recognizes that despite our best efforts, we can never truly know what another being is feeling. However, this shouldn't stop us from trying to connect with others and understand their experiences.

The image of tears in the fish's eyes is particularly striking. Tears are often associated with sadness or grief, suggesting that the fish may be experiencing some kind of emotional pain. This raises questions about the nature of the fish's existence and the impact of human actions on their lives. Are we causing harm to these creatures without even realizing it?

Basho's haiku also invites us to consider our own capacity for empathy. Do we take the time to try and understand the experiences of those around us, even if they are vastly different from our own? Or do we simply dismiss them as unimportant or irrelevant?

Furthermore, the haiku highlights the power of language and the limitations of our ability to express ourselves. Basho's admission that he "cannot guess" what fish feel speaks to the inherent difficulty of putting complex emotions into words. And yet, through his use of imagery and concise language, Basho is able to convey a powerful message that resonates with readers centuries later.

The Historical Context

To fully appreciate Basho's haiku, it's important to consider the historical context in which it was written. In 17th century Japan, haiku was a popular form of poetry that focused on nature and everyday life. Basho was one of the most famous haiku poets of his time, and his work is still celebrated for its simplicity and elegance.

At the same time, Japan was undergoing significant social and political changes. The feudal system was beginning to break down, leading to increased urbanization and a shift away from traditional ways of life. This period of transition and uncertainty is reflected in many of Basho's haiku, which often focus on the transience of life and the beauty of nature.

In this context, "What fish feel" can be seen as a reflection of Basho's broader concerns about the human experience. The haiku suggests that despite our technological advancements and societal changes, we are still fundamentally connected to the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.

Conclusion

"What fish feel" is a deceptively simple haiku that packs a powerful emotional punch. Through his use of imagery and concise language, Basho invites us to reflect on our own capacity for empathy and the limitations of language in expressing complex emotions. At the same time, the haiku serves as a reminder of our connection to the natural world and the importance of considering the experiences of all beings, no matter how different they may seem from our own.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What Fish Feel: A Deep Dive into Matsuo Basho's Classic Haiku

Matsuo Basho, the renowned Japanese poet of the Edo period, is known for his mastery of the haiku form. His works are celebrated for their simplicity, depth, and ability to capture the essence of nature and human emotions in just a few words. One of his most famous haikus, "What fish feel," is a prime example of his skill in evoking powerful imagery and emotions through concise language.

The haiku reads:

What fish feel
I toss him back into
The water, he looks at me

At first glance, the haiku appears to be a simple observation of a fish being released back into the water. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning that speaks to the interconnectedness of all living beings and the fleeting nature of life.

The first line, "What fish feel," sets the tone for the rest of the haiku. It is a question that invites the reader to contemplate the inner world of the fish and the emotions it may be experiencing. Basho's use of the word "feel" is significant because it suggests that the fish is capable of experiencing more than just physical sensations. It implies that the fish has a consciousness and is capable of feeling emotions such as fear, pain, and perhaps even gratitude.

The second line, "I toss him back into," is a stark contrast to the first line. It is a sudden and abrupt action that disrupts the fish's world and sends it back into the unknown depths of the water. The use of the word "toss" is deliberate because it conveys a sense of force and violence. It is a reminder that humans have the power to control and manipulate nature, but also that this power comes with responsibility.

The third line, "The water, he looks at me," is the most poignant of the haiku. It is a moment of connection between the fish and the human, a fleeting exchange of gazes that transcends the boundaries of species. The use of the word "looks" is significant because it suggests that the fish is not just a passive object, but an active participant in the interaction. It is a reminder that all living beings are connected and that our actions have consequences that ripple through the web of life.

The haiku as a whole can be interpreted as a meditation on the impermanence of life and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The fish represents the fragility of life, the human represents the power to control and manipulate nature, and the water represents the vast and mysterious universe that surrounds us all. The haiku invites us to contemplate our place in the world and our relationship with nature.

In conclusion, Matsuo Basho's haiku "What fish feel" is a masterpiece of the haiku form. It is a simple yet profound observation of a moment in nature that speaks to the deeper truths of life. It is a reminder that all living beings are connected and that our actions have consequences that ripple through the web of life. It is a call to contemplate our place in the world and our relationship with nature.

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