Atsumori

Wow, printer and internet failure in the same day. The cruel irony of this situation is almost painful.

Julian Teeple
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
May 4, 2009
Atsumori Commentary
“Unlooked for men of our condition, you say. Have you not read: ‘Do not envy what is above you Nor despise what is below you’? Moreover the songs of the woodsmen and the flute-playing herdsmen, flute-playing even of reapers and songs of the wood fellers. Through poets’ verses are known to all the world. Wonder not to hear among us the sound of a bamboo flute” (50-61)
The traditional Noh play Atsumori is used to address many issues of morality and how one should treat your enemies. This passage in particular uses a traditional parable to explain a way of thought. The author uses symbolism and repetition to convey the message dealt with in the parable. The over all message is one of humility and pride at the same time. The idea that you should be indifferent to those above and below you is a belief made so people can get along, and still retain respect for others in the world.
Symbolism is show in the end of the passage. “Moreover the songs of woodsmen and the flute-playing of herdsmen.” (54-55) This passage uses the idea of songs and the implied relationship between the woodsmen and the herders to show how people should interact. The woodsmen and the herders obviously live very different lives, as one is out on open fields, and woodsmen are confined to their section of woods. The author uses a comparison of musical talents to show that the two types of people, even though they follow two different walks of life, are on the same level, and respect each other.
The author also uses repetition, mainly in the ideas of the lines. “flute-playing even of reapers and songs of the wood fellers.” (55-56) The repetition in this idea of morality and mutual respect between two other different groups shows the equal level on which people should always be with each other. By drilling in the idea of equality in two separate lines, the reader helps to convey the message and purpose so conveniently located in the passage.
The authors purpose in this passage was to convey the message and theme of the overall work, or give foresight and a build up to it. The short parable at the beginning of the passage has a very set theme, and talks about morality and how people should feel about superiors and underlings. The message becomes apparent later in the story, when the warrior lord returns, but this passage is used as a lead in to explaining the moral, making it highly important.