Seishonagon and Waka Poems : The Aspects of Makura-no Soshi as a Personal Diary

Abstract

Makura-no Soshi has had a tendency to be discussed without any criterion. I made an attempt to discuss the work within the frame of a personal diary and to illustrate the changes from the former part to the latter. Its poetical terminology is analyzed as well. In the former part of the work, Seishonagon faithfully uses the terms found in the anthologies compiled by lmperial command. In the latter part, however, she not only deviates from the use of these Waka poem terms, but estranges herself from the Waka poem itself. It is proven that this change corresponds to the change of the relationship between Seishonagon and Teishi.