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HOKUSAI, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Hokusai" by Anne Carson captures a moment of artistic determination and transformation, framed through the life and words of the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. The poem begins with a reflection on the nature of anger, likening it to "a bitter lock" that, nonetheless, can be turned or transformed. This metaphor sets the stage for a narrative about creativity and the capacity to channel one's emotions and experiences into art.

Hokusai, famous for his woodblock prints and paintings, particularly "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," is portrayed in his later years, at the age of 83, embarking on a new artistic challenge: "Time to do my lions." This declaration signifies a turning point, a decision to confront a new subject matter with vigor and dedication. The specificity of his age underscores the idea that it is never too late to pursue a new direction or to redefine one's work and identity as an artist.

The poem then moves into a rhythm of daily creation, with Hokusai dedicating himself to the task of making lions every morning "until he died / 219 days later." This commitment to daily practice and exploration highlights the discipline and perseverance that underpin artistic mastery. The number of days—219—adds a poignant sense of finiteness to Hokusai's endeavor, marking the time remaining in his life as a period of intense creativity and focus.

The imagery of lions "swayed / and leapt / from the crests / of the pine trees / onto / the snowy road / or crashed / together" brings the scene vividly to life. Carson evokes a dynamic and almost otherworldly landscape where Hokusai's lions embody the forces of nature and imagination. The lions' movements, influenced by the gusting wind from the northwest, suggest a harmony between the artist's creations and the elemental forces of the world. This interplay between the lions and their environment mirrors the creative process itself, where inspiration and execution are subject to both the artist's control and the unpredictable influences of the external world.

Through "Hokusai," Anne Carson offers a meditation on the creative process, the transformative potential of art, and the enduring spirit of the artist. The poem celebrates the ability to channel personal struggles and emotions into one's work, transforming them into something new and alive. Hokusai's determination to create lions in the final months of his life serves as a testament to the power of artistic vision and the unending pursuit of expression and beauty, regardless of age or circumstance. Carson's poem is a tribute to the indomitable will of the artist and the profound impact of their creations on the world.


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