KUKU

KU ScholarWorks

  • myKU
  • Email
  • Enroll & Pay
  • KU Directory
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    •   KU ScholarWorks
    • Dissertations and Theses
    • Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Impermanence and retribution: A re-examination of two unifying themes in the "Tale of the Heike"

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Mayo_Christopher_Michael_2007_5349296.pdd.pdf (710.8Kb)
    Issue Date
    2007-05-31
    Author
    Mayo, Christopher Michael
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Type
    Thesis
    Degree Level
    M.A.
    Discipline
    East Asian Languages & Cultures
    Rights
    This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    The primary theme of impermanence for all things and the secondary theme of retribution are widely acknowledged by literary scholars to be unifying themes in the Tale of the Heike, a medieval Japanese narrative. These themes are apparent from the famous opening lines of the tale's Preface, but interpretations differ regarding their subsequent development in the main narrative. In English scholarship, the implications of impermanence in the Heike have not been adequately explored, and the sad fate of the whole Taira clan has often been misunderstood as simply karmic retribution for Taira Kiyomori's evil deeds.

    This thesis re-examines these themes to demonstrate how: (1) the Heike's emphasis on the Buddhist law of impermanence for all things in general, and the decline of the proud and mighty in particular, is manifested not only in the fate of the Taira clan, but also in the fate of the retired emperors, (2) Confucian, Buddhist, and kami beliefs function together to justify retribution for the Taira clan, and (3) the suffering endured by Taira Kiyomori's descendants can be read as one aspect of retribution for Kiyomori, similar to the practice of enza, or the execution of an offender with his kin.
    Description
    Thesis (M.A.)--University of Kansas, East Asian Languages & Cultures, 2007.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/32059
    Collections
    • Theses [3797]

    Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.


    We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.


    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    Browse

    All of KU ScholarWorksCommunities & CollectionsThis Collection

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics

    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

    The University of Kansas
      Contact KU ScholarWorks
    Lawrence, KS | Maps
     
    • Academics
    • Admission
    • Alumni
    • Athletics
    • Campuses
    • Giving
    • Jobs

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

     Contact KU
    Lawrence, KS | Maps