Metaphors of Impermanence in Noh Plays

Abstract

This article aims to study conceptual metaphors of impermanence in Noh plays. Data was collected from 9 Genzai Noh plays as Nakamitsu, Hibariyama, Kagekiyo, Yuya, Tsuchiguruma, Koya Monogurui, Take no Yuki, Shichikiochi, and Kanawa. The study found that metaphors of impermanence in Noh plays were dew, sound,
color, dream, wind, boat, flower, and moon. These reflected uncertainty, change, and transience of things and lives on earth. Impermanence concept may be said to be one of Bhuddhism instruments to relieve grieve for people in medieval period who always faced suffering, difficulties, and loss. This made them come to term with reality on earth and live on. Furthermore, impermanence idea took part in stimulating people to be aware of their duties and ethics, for example, a child should show gratitude to parents. Like in Kagekiyo, Hitomaru, a daughter, rushed to find her father whom she has never met since she was born. In Yuya,
Yuya, a daughter, has tried to go back to take care of her old and sick mother before she died.