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The hanging gate, of something like trelliswork, was…

“The hanging gate, of something like trelliswork, was propped on a pole, and he could see that the house was tiny and flimsy. He felt a little sorry for the occupants of such a place--and then asked himself who in this world had a temporary shelter. [Anonymous, Kokinshuu 987: Where in all this…” quote by Murasaki Shikibu
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““The hanging gate, of something like trelliswork, was propped on a pole, and he could see that the house was tiny and flimsy. He felt a little sorry for the occupants of such a place--and then asked himself who in this world had a temporary shelter. [Anonymous, Kokinshuu 987: Where in all this world shall I call home? A temporary shelter is my home.] A hut, a jeweled pavilion, they were the same. A pleasantly green vine was climbing a board wall. The white flowers, he said to himself, had a rather self-satisfied look about them. 'I needs must ask the lady far yonder," he said, as if to himself. [Anonymous, Kokinshuu 1007: I needs must ask the lady far yonder What flower it is off there that blooms so white.] An attendant came up, bowing deeply. "The white flowers far off yonder are known as 'evening faces," he said. "A very human sort of name--and what a shabby place they have picked to bloom in." It was as the man said. The neighborhood was a poor one, chiefly of small houses. Some were leaning precariously, and there were "evening faces" at the sagging eaves. A hapless sort of flower. Pick one off for me, will you?" The man went inside the raised gate and broke off a flower. A pretty little girl in long, unlined yellow trousers of raw silk came out through a sliding door that seemed too good for the surroundings. Beckoning to the man, she handed him a heavily scented white fan. Put it on this. It isn't much of a fan, but then it isn't much of a flower either.””

Murasaki Shikibu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator reflects on the impermanence of shelter and beauty, finding meaning in fleeting moments.

In simple terms: Life’s temporary homes and delicate beauty are fleeting.

Key Takeaway

Cherish fleeting beauty and humble dwellings.

Themes

impermanence beauty humility

Mood

nostalgic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • travel
  • home seeking
  • art appreciation
  • spiritual contemplation
  • garden design

Key Concepts

transience aesthetic appreciation human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does a “temporary shelter” mean to you?
  • How do you find beauty in modest surroundings?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize poverty, overlooking real hardship.

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