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Tale Of The Heike Analysis

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Introduction The Tale of the Heike is written account of the power tussle between the clans in Japan, which were the Taira and Minamoto clans. This story documents the struggle for leadership and control between both clans at the end of the 12th century in the Genpei War, taking place from 1180 to 1185. Authorship is unknown but it is still regarded as one of the celebrated classics in the Japanese literature. This story’s focus is on Heike (Taira) Clan in medieval Japan. It shows his rise into power and eventual fall. Highlights from the book shows the rivalry between the Minamoto and Heike clans (Genji) clans, in-depth look into the Heike family, principles of Buddhism and the impact of the war on the Japanese people. Five stories …show more content…

In the story, the chancellor, Kiyomori's feelings (including the financial remunerations associated with her and her family) for Gio are transferred to a "young new girl " named Hotoke, an event that occurred on Gio’s part as an act of innocent sympathy for the girl. Gio wanted Kiyomori to give her a chance at her dream. Kiyomori heeded and gave a chance to Hotoke, he was drawn to how beautifully she sounded and fired Gio from her position, replacing her with Hotoke. This served as a devastating blow to Gio and it became a depressing time for her. It was obvious that Gio and her family were pushed aside by Kiyomori. This was a letdown for Gio and she contemplated on ways to end her pain, one of which was thought about killing herself, but overtime her family became nuns. Waves of guilt swept over Hotoke, as she blamed herself as the reason for Gio and her sister to lose their job, which is entertaining the chancellor. In the end, Hotoke sought for forgiveness and joined them as a nun, understanding that she also became uninteresting to Kiyomori. (That good fortune cannot last with a Buddhist teaching.) That is when Gio found peace. Death of Kiyomori Munemori’s intentions are to crusade to the east to defeat Yoritomo, but delays the attack when he finds out that his father is extremely ill. It starts off by Kiyomori not being able to swallow. His body temperature kept rising. Kiyomori eventually dies of …show more content…

As said earlier, this study reveals the of the relationship between the Genji and the Heike and it uncovers the main plot of the book and conveys the message of the tale, which is the realization of power, influence, love, forgiveness, revenge and death. The Taira instituted their power on the arrogant and conceited actions of Kiyomori, and enjoyed the product of the influence for a while. These actions led to the rise of the Genji from their defeat by instigating the demise of their rivals. However, the Genji operated the same way as the Heike to attain their rise. They oppressed their rivals, exerted undue influenced, killed and sent their enemies in exile, thereby continuing the cycle of

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