Tsukeai-Ron, the theory handed down by Matsuo Basho and his pupils, Morikawa Kyoroku and Gekkuan Rosen, is illustrated, in the descriptions found in the secret scripture of the Shomon School. Three points are presented. First, Basho and his successors pursue the origin of the "Haikai Meeting" until they come to possess the spirit of the ancient "Actors"(wazaogi). Second, the essence of being an "actor" is understood to lie in assuring the roles as found in the world of "Maeku." Third, the essence of being an "actor" is conventionalized as the technique of "Tsukeai." The development of "Haikai" and "Haiseki" into formalism, parallel to "Tsukeai" technique, is discussed as well. Consequently, a historical paradox is explained. The decline of "Haikai" continues as the completion of the Haikai technique is achieved by the Shomon School, the most modern school in the Haikai world. At the same time, the theatrical virtue of the men of letters in the Kinsei period, which existed in the historical paradox is illustrated.
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