Medieval world reflected in Japanese literature: examples of changes and innovations in literature (poetry and prose)

As with most societies, as time progresses there will always be many changes. Likewise, as Japan moved into the medieval period there would be changes, specifically in some noticeable changes that are found in the literature. In looking at how prose and poetry was affected during this time, it should be noted that in many ways the literature of the period was made as a method of honoring the old literature and building beyond it. An example can be seen in the poems of Shinkokinshū, and in drawing from Kokinshū, Shinkokin waka shū is a “New Collection of Poems Ancient and Modern” (Handout 10). That being said, Shinkokinshū was compiled exactly 300 years after Kokinshū was originally compiled, therefore making Shinkokinshū an anniversary collection that would also be inspired by the original works. Shinkokinshū shows within it there are parts that draw a lot from the past, while there are also works from the modern time period. As for prose, there have been some changes in language that can be seen between some examples. Descriptions of residencies and everyday life will always vary from person to person, as it is seen in The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon with its decriptions of life in the Imperial court and the very different An Account of My Hut by Kamo no Chōmei and its description of a very different world as seen by the humble Buddhist monk. The two accounts were also written about 200 years apart, which allows for there to be some significant societal changes to be seen between the writings, in addition to the difference in the lifestyles of the of the respective authors. These examples are just a small representation of the changes that occurred in Japanese literature, particularly poetry and prose during the medieval period, ...

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...s that both have as they build upon the previous works from earlier times. The very obvious example is Kokinshū and Shinkokinshū and their connections. There are many aspects of the works that are similar, and quite possibly the same, but there are the innovations and changes that are very noticeable in these works as there is progression through time. The most notable innovation, which is also seen in the zuhitsus, is the changes in structure. The best examples are the use of the x-no-y-no-z pattern and taigendome as found in Shinkokinshū as they stand out very clearly and the coherent and broken into groups and sections in the structure between the two zuhitsus. With all art forms, there will be changes and innovations as they evolve. While they eventually not resemble their predecessors, they will represent the survival of the art and honor it in its own way.