Skeleton on a Path: A Lyric Biography of Matsuo Basho

Abstract

This thesis is a lyric biography of the life and reputation of the 17th century Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho. In addition to providing a retelling of his biography, the thesis also offers creative speculations and analysis of various aspects of the poet’s work. In additional, the thesis follows the author in his travel to Japan, where he recounts his experiences with various locations that have become the topics of Basho’s travel diaries and poems. Finally, the thesis analyzes key figures in the East and the West after Basho’s era, in an attempt to understand more about the legacy of the poet through analysis of those he influenced.