Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates how and why commented and annotated translations identify and explain allusions to classical Chinese texts in Natsume Sōseki's Chinese poetry. It argues that this practice contributed significantly to the writer's contemporary image as one of the last men of Chinese learning.

Paper long abstract:

Natsume Sōseki (1867-1916) is not only acclaimed as "giant" of modern Japanese literature, but also regularly referred to as one of the last great masters of classical Chinese poetry (kanshi). It is largely due to these kanshi that he is likened to the literati of Chinese learning (bunjin) in premodern times. Yet, as classical Chinese texts themselves have since become much less accessible to common readers who lack the necessary educational background, this paper argues that, to a significant extent, the image of Sōseki has been elaborated and exalted over the last one hundred years by writers of commented and annotated translations.

This genre of texts, building on premodern exegetical traditions, occupies an important place between literary works written in classical Chinese and their further reception. While corresponding to contemporary needs by providing translations into classical and modern Japanese, they also provide explanations of the meaning of characters and expressions as well as a large array of interpretations and comments. Regularly, special emphasis is placed on identifying allusions to classical Chinese texts. The exact quantity and quality of locating and commenting upon these allusions differ considerably, with some annotated translations uncovering huge numbers of allusions including many that seem more or less far-fetched.

As Sōseki's kanshi have been a favorite subject of such commented and annotated translations - with more than a dozen different publications, written by men such as his disciple Matsuoka Yuzuru or the renowned Sinologist Yoshikawa Kōjirō - these texts allow for productive juxtapositions to critically analyze their contents, discursive strategies, aims, and impact. By associating Sōseki with a vast number of classical sources, these texts deeply affected the contemporary image of Sōseki as one of the last Japanese of classical Chinese learning, positioning him in a complex network of classical literary, mythical, religious and ethico-political ideas.