The Zuihitsu: An Exploration of Japanese Prose-Poetry

• What is zuihitsu?
  We’ll explore the literal translation (“following the brush”), its historical context in Heian Japan, and its key characteristics (fragmentation, juxtaposition, personal reflection, informal tone). We’ll discuss the associative nature of the form, its connection to fleeting thoughts and observations and its departure from traditional narrative structures.
• Week 2: The master’s voice—Sei Shōnagon and The Pillow Book
  We’ll dive deeper into The Pillow Book, analyzing specific entries for the use of lists, anecdotes, observations and personal opinions. We’ll examine Shōnagon's tone, wit and the glimpses she provides into Heian court life, identifying examples of fragmented thoughts and how seemingly unrelated elements are placed together to create meaning or resonance. We’ll discuss recurring themes in Shōnagon's work (beauty, nature, social observations, personal preferences).
• Week 3: A different perspective —Yoshida Kenkō and Essays in Idleness
  We’ll explore Yoshida Kenkō's Essays in Idleness, noting its more philosophical and contemplative tone compared to Shōnagon. We’ll analyze his use of brevity, wisdom and reflections on mortality and the human condition, identifying key differences in voice, subject matter and overall feel between Shōnagon and Kenkō. We’ll discuss the evolution of the zuihitsu form.
• Week 4: Zuihitsu in the modern world—contemporary voices
  We’ll analyze the works of Kimiko Hahn and Keiko Honda. How do they utilize fragmentation and juxtaposition in a contemporary context? What new themes and subjects emerge? How do their voices and perspectives differ from the classical examples? We’ll discuss how contemporary writers blend zuihitsu with other forms, explore new possibilities within the genre and examine how personal identity and cultural background shape the zuihitsu.
• Week 5: Developing your own zuihitsu—finding your brush
  We will dedicate time in this class to work on our longer zuihitsu pieces. We’ll address challenges and explore different approaches to structuring and developing a longer zuihitsu.
• Week 6: Sharing and reflection—the journey continues
  We will share our completed or in-progress zuihitsu pieces in a supportive and encouraging environment. We’ll offer constructive feedback and discussion on individual approaches to the form, looking at strengths and areas for further exploration. We’ll discuss our personal journeys with zuihitsu, any challenges encountered and discoveries made.

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Recognize different styles of zuihitsu by identifying key characteristics in the works of Sei Shōnagon, Yoshida Kenkō and contemporary writers
• Examine how writers utilize fragmentation, juxtaposition and personal reflection to generate meaning and impact in zuihitsu
• Experiment with the core elements of zuihitsu through generative exercises
• Share zuihitsu writing and provide and receive constructive feedback within a supportive learning environment

• Short lectures
• Group discussions
• Guided writing exercises
• Giving and receiving peer feedback
• Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
  
• Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.