Hōjōki: Visions of a Torn World

Chōmei goes from a life in the busy capital city of Japan to quiet solitude in the mountains. How does the narrative structure of “Hōjōki” reflect this shift?

How is Chōmei’s socioeconomic background reflected in his writing? Consider his upbringing at the shrine and his poetic accolades.

Is the outlook on life Chōmei expresses in “Hōjōki” pessimistic, optimistic, or neutral? Does this attitude shift throughout the work? If so, what accounts for that shift?

Research another recluse author, such as Saigyō or Thoreau, and compare their writing to “Hōjōki.” What themes are similar? How do they differ?

Discuss the concept of “home” within the text. Are they strictly dependent on physical buildings? If so, what are the most important features of a home, according to Chōmei? If not, what represents a home?

“Hōjōki” is written in prose, but it contains many poetic literary devices. Identify an aspect of the essay’s prosody and discuss how it contributes to the work’s tone and themes.

Chōmei lived through a period of great upheaval, particularly the decline of the Heian court and the rise of shogunate rule. How might this have influenced Chōmei’s decision to leave society? Why do you think Chōmei only briefly mentioned civil unrest in “Hōjōki”?

Despite claiming to live in solitude, Chōmei repeatedly mentions contact with others, such as the teenage boy who lives near him or the news he receives from the capital. Does this cast doubt on his claims of enlightened detachment? Why or why not?