The theme of warrior vs. aristocrat is omnipresent throughout the Tale of the Heike:
Consider Kiso no Yoshinaka:
“Kiso had gathered that a newly promoted official does not present himself for duty in a warrior's hitatare, so for the first time in his life, he donned a hunting cloak. From the tip of his tall eboshi to his baggy trouser bottoms, he looked utterly absurd.” - Pg. 430
“How enormously better he looked on horseback, in armor, bow in hand, at his back a quiver of arrows!” - Pg. 430
On the other hand...
Consider Minamoto no Yoritomo:
"After years under imperial ban, success in battle has won me His Cloistered Eminence's appointment to supreme command. Would I have the effrontery to receive it simply at home? No, I shall accept it at the new shrine of Hachiman." - Pg. 426
This dynamic is most clear in the relationship between Yoshinaka and Yoritomo. Here, Yoshinaka represents the warrior, and Yoritomo represents the aristocrat. In comparing these two pivotal characters, one ccan analyze the larger dynamic of the warrior, who is respected on the battlefield, and the aristocrat, who is respected in the palace. Both sides have different pros and cons and serve different roles in the Take of the Heike.
Possible Discussion Questions:
How does the dichotomy of Warrior vs Aristocrat manifest in the Tale of the Heike?
Do these two roles ever overlap?
Which, if any is more noble?
Any examples of Warrior vs Aristocrat from history or other media?
Other Examples from the Text:
-Tadamori, father of Kiyomori: Known as a warrior, he was granted access to the palace despite not being an established aristocrat.
-Yorimasa: Though a member of the Minamoto clan, he served as a place warden under Kiyomori. This would make him an aristocrat. However, he decides to rebel, and fights alongside Prince Mochihito at The Battle on the Bridge.
-Sanemori: As a brave warrior, he dyes his hair to disguise himself as a younger man, so the enemy would not take pity on him in battle, thus illustrating his warrior status.