Here is an example lesson plan for Book 8:
Book 8- The Tale of the Heike
Class: Japanese History
Unit Title: Book 8 – The Tale of the Heike
Duration: 1 week
Objectives: Students will …
• Comprehend how Book 8 of The Tale of the Heike contributes to the work’s overall plot.
• Analyze the characterizations of warriors and aristocrats and how these dynamics are portrayed in medieval Japan.
• Identify samurai clothing worn in the Heian period such as hitatare and eboshi.
• Learn about the foundation of the Japanese shogun as a result of the Genpei War.
• Consider characters’ rationales for declaring allegiance to a certain side and extend the concept of loyalty to examples from history and pop culture.
Essential Question/Big Idea:
What messages about medieval Japan does Book 8 of The Tale of the Heike convey to the reader?
Vocabulary: See Web Resource.
Materials & Resources:
• Jeopardy Game
• Heike Monogatari Website o
• Resources on the Book 8 Page
• The Tale of the Heike book
Instructional Procedures/Activities:
Summary:
Chapter 8 focuses on a time in the Genpei War, where Kiso no Yoshinaka and Minamoto no Yoritomo are gaining power for the Minamoto, Go-Shirakawa is coming back into power, but the Taira are on their way out. Go-Shirakawa goes to Mt. Hiei and re-establishes his authority in the capital; he sends a man named Koreyoshi to expel the Taira from Dazaifu. A few battles occur with the Battle of Muroyama and the Battle of Mizushima, and these serve as Taira last stands. At the same time, division in the Minamoto becomes apparent with two different leading characters: 1) the country bumpkin Kiso no Yoshinaka and 2) the aristocrat Minamoto no Yoritomo. The chapter concludes with Go-Shirakawa and Kiso no Yoshinaka getting put against each other in the Battle of Houjuuji. Ultimately, Kiso no Yoshinaka wins this battle and gains control over the capital.
Lecture Model:
This chapter can best be divided into themes. Besides general plot comprehension, the following themes and topics were found to be most important in Book 8:
1) The Warrior vs. Aristocrat Dynamic
2) Samurai Wear: Hitatare and Eboshi
3) Allegiance
4) The Japanese Shogun
The comparing and contrasting of warrior vs. aristocrat is a theme that is ubiquitous in the entire tale, but Book 8 zeroes in on this dynamic through the characterizations of Yoritomo and Yoshinaka. For instance, a story is included in Book 8 where Yoshinaka pokes fun at Lord Nekoma because his name has the Japanese word for cat (neko) in it. Students can offer examples from the chapter of these characterizations and discuss what it truly means to be a warrior or to be an aristocrat.
As for art appreciation, this chapter also contains many references to hitatare and eboshi. These forms of Japanese samurai wear show an effort on the warrior side to become more aristocratic. These can be presented, and the students can develop an appreciation for these forms of art.
Allegiance serves as an interesting lecture topic because there are not just two sides in Book 8. There are Go-Shirakawa, the Taira, and the Minamoto; even inside the Minamoto, there are Yoritomo and Yoshinaka. Therefore, discussing book motives for characters to choose these sides can elucidate the concept of loyalty. This can then be extended to examples from pop culture and history, as loyalty plays a role in any great conflict.
Another informative topic to discuss is the Japanese shogun. Both Yoshinaka and Yoritomo are given this decree by Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Analysis into what this means following the Genpei War, and consideration of the history that follows the tale (with Yoritomo being the first official shogun) can be discussed.
If additional time exists, there are some other interesting aspects to the Book 8 plot. For instance, the abbot Meiun from Book 2 comes back, but dies in the capital at the end of Book 8. Also, Koreyoshi, who was sent to expel the Taira, claims his lineage stems from a serpent-god, and a story about this is included in The Tale of the Heike. Overall, a lecture and discussion format for this book is probably most appropriate.
Assessment – Formative & Summative:
Informally, the instructor will gauge student comprehension through response to questions posed throughout lecture. Formal assessments can include examinations, presentations, and reports.
Closure/Follow-Up/Homework:
Also on the web resource are interviews with scholars and lessons from the other books in The Tale of the Heike. Students can expand upon Chapter 8 from these resources.