The Philosophy of Haiku

Previous Knowledge

It’s a three-line Japanese poem, and the syllables for each line go 5-7-5Some legendary poets, such as Bashō, may vary the syllables per line; you, however, may not

Definition of and Characteristics that perhaps you didn’t know…

Haiku is about one’s interaction with nature or contemplation of or witness to an event.The speaker is tranquil, thoughtful, aware, dreamy; he might make connections or draw parallels

Characteristics

It is an ancient art, written vertically in calligraphy

Characteristics

it depends on perception, awareness, and suggestivenessthey’re always in the present tense because they have to be “of the moment”; the poet is watching something or doing somethingBecause each word is important, they are often read twice

Characteristics

They’re often slightly ambiguous so that different readers can bring their own perceptions to itNo rhymes, but the lines demonstrate enjambment, as the whole thing is one sentence or thought

Characteristics

No titles, but the author’s name may appear as the title or as a red seal

Characteristics

And there is often art that accompanies the words

Famous Japanese Poets

Matsuo Bashō (1644 to 1694) (popular Jeopardy answer)

Yosa Buson (this is his grave)

Let’s watch a haiku

http://www.npr.org/2013/04/12/176913038/short-and-sweet-celebrating-d-c-s-cherry-blossoms-with-haiku

http://www.npr.org/2013/04/12/176913038/short-and-sweet-celebrating-d-c-s-cherry-blossoms-with-haiku

Let’s look at some

Come get the handout!

Assignment

Write either 3 haiku or 2 haiku and 1 tankaput all 3 on one pagethere must be art/decorations or some sortPLEASE pay attention to rules for syllables, subject, style, and effectFashion a Japanese pen name for yourself to put before each poem like on the sample handout (don’t choose Pikachu or Totoro!)Due __________________