Exploring Transience: The Symbolism of the Five-Story Pagoda in Kajii Motojiro’s Work

Introduction

This paper explores the symbolism of the five-story pagoda in the works of Kajii Motojiro, a prominent Japanese writer of the early 20th century. The five-story pagoda, a traditional architectural form in Japan, often serves as a multifaceted symbol in literature, representing not only the physicality of cultural heritage but also the transience of life and the interplay between permanence and impermanence. This report aims to examine how Motojiro employs the pagoda as a narrative device to reflect on themes such as mortality, the passage of time, and the fleeting nature of human experience. Through text analysis and contextual exploration, this paper will elucidate the profound implications of the five-story pagoda in Motojiro’s literary canon.

Main Body

Kajii Motojiro’s literary career occurred during a period of significant transition in Japan, marked by the collision of traditional values and modernity. The five-story pagoda can be seen as a metaphor for this duality, embodying both the enduring legacy of Japan’s cultural past and the ephemeral essence of life. In works such