The classic work *Tsurezuregusa* by Yoshida Kenkō features many thought-provoking passages, and one such line in Chapter 234, Section 168, raises an important question about translation and interpretation. The line, ‘この人の後には、誰か問はん’, can be translated in multiple ways, but one common point of contention is whether this phrase is a rhetorical question or a simple query. In this article, we will explore the different interpretations and clarify whether using a rhetorical translation is appropriate in this context.
Context of ‘この人の後には、誰か問はん’
In *Tsurezuregusa*, this line appears in a reflection on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker contemplates the passing of a person and the lack of a suitable successor. The line could be understood as someone questioning who will carry on the legacy or take up the position of the deceased. Understanding the context of this passage is essential for accurately translating the phrase.
The phrase ‘この人の後には、誰か問はん’ could be interpreted in several ways depending on how one reads the final part: ‘問はん’. The confusion arises when considering whether this should be understood as a rhetorical question (where the answer is implied to be ‘no one’) or as a simple query about who would succeed the individual.
Rhetorical Question vs. Simple Query: Which Is Correct?
The traditional translation of the phrase is more straightforward: ‘Who will be asked after this person?’ In this translation, it’s seen as a literal question about the future. However, some might argue that the use of ‘問はん’ could imply a rhetorical tone, especially when considered in the context of death and the passing of time. In this case, the translation could shift to ‘Who, after this person, could be asked? No one could.’ This interpretation suggests a reflection on the finality of death, where no one can truly replace the individual who has passed.
In classical Japanese, the use of ‘問はん’ at the end of the sentence can often imply a rhetorical nuance, which is why this translation is not only possible but potentially accurate. The final ‘ん’ is often used to indicate a sense of uncertainty or finality, especially when paired with a question about an inevitable event like death.
The Role of Rhetorical Questions in Classical Literature
Rhetorical questions are a common device in classical literature, particularly in works like *Tsurezuregusa*, where the author often reflects on the futility of life and the certainty of death. Such questions are not meant to solicit an answer but to provoke thought and contemplation about the nature of existence. By using rhetorical questions, Kenkō invites the reader to ponder the emptiness and impermanence of life.
In the case of this particular line, interpreting it as rhetorical aligns with the philosophical themes of the work. The line emphasizes the loneliness and isolation that often accompany death, suggesting that no one will truly replace the person who has passed.
Conclusion: Can You Translate This as a Rhetorical Question?
In conclusion, interpreting ‘この人の後には、誰か問はん’ as a rhetorical question is both valid and fitting within the context of *Tsurezuregusa*. While a literal translation may be correct, reading it as a rhetorical question adds depth to the philosophical reflection on death and succession. The use of ‘問はん’ in classical Japanese literature often carries the weight of rhetorical questioning, and in this case, it serves to underscore the inevitability of death and the absence of a true successor.
As with many classical texts, the interpretation of certain phrases can vary depending on the translator’s perspective. However, in this instance, considering the rhetorical nature of the question provides a more profound understanding of the themes Kenkō is exploring.
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