Komachi at Seckidera, Essay Example

Notes on the playwright

This is only one of the many plays about women Zeami Motokiyowrote. Zeami was introduced to theatre by his father at a very young age so that Zeami could practice his acting skills. Zeami had a long career as a renowned actor but after the death of his father, Zeami decided to become a playwright. Zeami’s talent as a writer soon allowed him to create some of the most intriguing plays in Japan.

Notes on the plot

Komachi was a young beautiful womenwith many admirers and lovers. Her beauty made her arrogant which is why she ill-treated many admirers and especially mocked those she rejected. Time doesn’t remain same and her beauty eventually faded with time. She became poor and lonely and even forsaken by her friends. Even more painful was the fact that the spirits of the lovers she had ill-treated began tormenting her and forced her to seek spiritual intervention from the priests.

Notes on the characters

A beautiful and self-obsessed woman named Komachi eventually becomes lonely and falls into despair as her beauty fades away. She also becomes possessed by the spirits of lovers she was cruel towards. Thus, the priests in the play come to Komachi’s rescue as well as offer guidance to other characters.

Notes on conflict

The primary conflict is Komachi’s battle with old age. This is something most of the people go through as they reap the consequences of earlier actions during their old age. Komachi is faced with the consequences of the actions she had committed in the past.

My Reaction

This play has inspired me to become more responsible as a young individual. This play demonstrates the fact that actions have consequences and sooner or later, we have to face karma. Sometimes, the consequences of the actions are not experienced until late in life, thus, one should think twice before engaging in any action. This play discourages us from negative deeds because our present holds the key to our future. This play has also influenced me to become more compassionate because how we treat people also determines who they may treat us, especially during difficult times.