<物語>としての平家物語(<特集>平家物語)

抄録

It is necessary to revaluate Heike Monogatari as a narrative, though its essencial as a war chronicle lies in its epical characteristics. But it should be considered as a dual structure of a narrative and a war chronicle rather than the confrontation of the two. Heike Monogatari is not a narrative because its lyric characteristics are outstanding. The application of the different styles mixed in the narrative is intended to create the historical period with many social disturbances one after another. "Kakuitsu-bon" shows the most wonderful accomplishment of the monogatari style. The narrative describes the dying people and the living people in the age of disturbances, when there are realities of sadness and absurdity, using expressions suitable to each subject. The very personal and sympathetic expression "Aware" and the concept of "Mujo (the mutability of the world)" and "Seija Hissui (those who are prosperous surely expect their miserable days)" are the magic formulas to calm down the narrative that was too sanguinary. The narrative contains the spirit of resistance against the stereotyped chronicle style as a requiem.