3.1 Development and characteristics of waka poetry

Waka poetry, especially tanka, became the cornerstone of Heian literature. With its 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern, tanka packed complex emotions and vivid imagery into just 31 syllables, showcasing the elegance of Japanese expression.

Poets used clever techniques like makurakotoba and kakekotoba to create layers of meaning. These linguistic devices, along with cultural references, allowed waka to convey deep emotions and philosophical concepts like mono no aware.

Waka Poetry Forms

Structure and Components of Waka

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  Waka at the Tainui settlement celebrations, Turangawaewae,… | Flickr View original

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  El rincón del Aikido: TANKA y SENRYU View original

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  Spiccycullen: [Letteratura Giapponese #3] - La poesia: Man’yōshū & Waka View original

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• Waka encompasses various forms of classical Japanese poetry
• Tanka emerges as the most common form of waka poetry
• 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern forms the foundation of tanka structure
• Consists of 31 syllables arranged in five lines
• First three lines (5-7-5) function as the upper phrase (kamino-ku)
• Final two lines (7-7) serve as the lower phrase (shimono-ku)
• Tanka often conveys complex emotions or vivid imagery within its concise form

Evolution and Variations of Waka

• Originated from ancient Japanese oral traditions
• Developed into a sophisticated literary form during the Nara and Heian periods
• Chōka (long poem) predates tanka but gradually fell out of use
• Sedōka (head-repeated poem) features a 5-7-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern
• Bussokusekika (Buddha footprint poem) follows a 5-7-5-7-7-7 structure
• Waka influenced the development of later poetic forms (haiku, renga)

Waka Poetic Techniques

Linguistic Devices in Waka

• Makurakotoba (pillow words) function as epithets or prefixes to introduce specific words
• Kakekotoba (pivot words) employ words with multiple meanings to create layered interpretations
• Engo (associated words) use related terms to enhance the poem's overall imagery and mood
• Techniques often combine to create intricate webs of meaning within the limited syllable count
• Poets skillfully manipulate these devices to evoke emotions and paint vivid scenes

Intertextuality and Cultural References

• Honkadori involves allusion to or adaptation of earlier poems
• Poets incorporate lines or themes from classical works to add depth and resonance
• Requires deep knowledge of literary tradition and cultural references
• Allows poets to engage in dialogue with earlier works and demonstrate their erudition
• Yamato-kotoba emphasizes use of native Japanese words over Chinese loanwords
• Preserves the distinct character and rhythm of the Japanese language in poetry

Waka Aesthetics and Influence

Emotional and Philosophical Concepts

• Mono no aware expresses a sensitivity to the transience of things
• Conveys a gentle sadness or wistfulness in the face of impermanence
• Central to the aesthetic sensibility of Heian period literature
• Poets often use natural imagery (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves) to evoke mono no aware
• Influenced later Japanese art forms (tea ceremony, Noh theater)

Key Figures and Cultural Impact

• Ki no Tsurayuki played a crucial role in establishing waka as a respected literary form
• Compiled the Kokin Wakashū, the first imperial anthology of waka poetry
• Wrote the Kana Preface, a seminal work on poetic theory and criticism
• Emphasized the importance of natural imagery and emotional sincerity in waka
• Waka became an essential skill for courtiers and a means of communication
• Influenced the development of Japanese literature, including prose works like The Tale of Genji
• Continues to shape modern Japanese poetry and cultural practices