Basho 6/9/19

The videographer’s combination of Japanese paintings and pictures with some of Basho’s poetry captures the feeling of an elderly man lamenting his old age. The references to death, autumn, and the passage of time become prominent, especially given the double use of the withered tree image in the video. The spring cherry blossoms are gone, and the summer cicadas are blissfully unaware of their imminent death. The cold air and perched crow foretell the narrator’s approaching death. The images almost paint a picture of the narrator’s life flashing before his eyes, recalling more youthful memories.

In contrast, The Norton Anthology highlights more optimistic works from Basho’s journey through the “Deep North.” The excerpts illustrate the actual trip itself, leaving the poems in the context Basho originally intended. The video takes specific poems to evoke the overall tone of the content. Combined with the images and somber music, the poetry presents a different emotion than that of the Norton excerpts. Perhaps Santiago-Sebazco intended to highlight how Basho passed away in his autumn years, never making it to his winter years. Puchner et al. states that Basho lived from 1644 until 1694, meaning Basho was only fifty upon his death (324). Basho did not begin his travels with his friend Sora until 1689, a mere five years before his death (Puchner et al. 324).

During Basho’s journey, he seems more inclined to channel the same appreciation and respect for nature as the Tang poets. “Aw inspiring!/ on the green leaves, budding leaves/ light of the sun” (Basho 327). Basho revels in the changing of the seasons, and he becomes especially delighted by the summer. Due to the climate of the “Deep North,” such a change in weather likely brought about great joy to the locals he encountered. However, towards the end of the Norton excerpt, Basho begins discussing autumn. Although he may have been unaware at the time, Basho may have foreshadowed his own untimely death when admiring the helmet of Sanemori (335).

Works Cited
Matsuo, Basho. “From The Narrow Road to the Deep North.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. Shorter Third edition. Vol. 2. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 325-336. Print.
Puchner, Martin, et al. “Matsuo Basho.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. Shorter Third edition. Vol. 2. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 324-325. Print.
Santiago-Sebazco, Raul. “Matsuo Basho.” YouTube.com. 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXvzgR3A9_I.