Japanese literiture - Essay Example

Death and decay or perishability is a theme that has been extensively dealt with in Western as well as Japanese literature. However in Western Literature the concept of death is always related to an ending and has negative connotations. Moreover the Western world is always desiring for permanence rather than accepting and letting nature work on its principles as it is also apparent from the example Keene quotes, “in west permanence rather than perishability has been desired and this has led men to build monuments of deathless marble the realization that even such monuments crumble is a proof of inexorability of the ravages of time” (18).

While on the other hand for Japanese death or decay does not connote negativity or an end in fact they perceive it as a beginning of something new. Moreover unlike the west who craves permanence they accept this bitter reality of human existence. In Japanese literature this principle of perishability is also perceived as the “Tyranny of time” (Varley, 47) because Japanese realize that time always takes its toll and it is a natural mechanism according to which everything meets its end or deteriorates eventually with time.

Although it is a major theme that is incorporated in many Japanese literary pieces yet this concept is also practically utilized and applied in their culture and life style. The practical implication of this phenomenon in Japanese culture is evident from the example stated in the text, “Few things for common use are made in Japan with the view of durability. The straw sandals worn out and replaced at each stage of the journey; the robe consisting of a few simple widths loosely stitched together for wearing and unstitched again for washing…” (18).

This principle of perishability of Japanese aesthetics helps an observer to find beauty even in ugliness or deformity. As it is also mentioned by Keene, “…flaws are sometimes as attractive as intrinsic beauty” (19). This further reiterates another reality of human existence i.e. it is impossible to attain perfection. Although this cliche is accepted by the Japanese the western world prefers to ignore it or they are unable to comprehend this simple yet complex reality of life. Unlike the western world that condemns impermanence and despises the role of fate in human life Japanese admire this unpredictability because they interpret it as an adventure and they consider it as a break through from the monotony and dullness.

The extensive plantation of cherry blossoms in Japan instead of any other plants and trees also support this concept because Japanese prefer novelty in life. Rather than opting for plants that bloom round the year or have longer period of blooming they like the three days glory of the cherry blossoms and such an approach towards life develops a feeling of contentment in them. Such a simplistic approach towards life helps them in enjoying and relishing life moment by moment rather than wasting it like the western world in the marathon or quest for attaining more and desiring for the unattainable.

Another interesting fact that Keene explores is that although the Japanese are competing and attaining success in the technological and nuclear age of the twenty first century yet their success in the modern world has not corrupted them and hence they still retain their connection with their