Reimagining “Fighting” by Arthur Waley: A Creative Exploration

 

Title: Reimagining “Fighting” by Arthur Waley: A Creative Exploration

For this exercise, I chose to reimagine the poem “Fighting” translated by Arthur Waley. I was drawn to this piece due to its evocative imagery and exploration of war and its consequences. By infusing my own interpretation into the original work, I aimed to capture the essence of the poem while adding my personal touch.

In my creative rewriting, I retained the themes of warfare, distance from home, and the destructive nature of conflict. However, I modified certain elements to give it a contemporary twist and make it more relatable to the present day. While Waley’s poem focused on historical battles fought by ancient armies, my version explores the internal battles we face in our daily lives.

I utilized the technique of juxtaposition, similar to Waley’s original piece, to juxtapose different facets of human existence. Instead of referencing specific geographical locations like the San-kan or Onion River road, I used metaphors to describe the contrasting landscapes of paradise and limpid space. This modification allowed me to shift the focus from physical warfare to the inner struggles of the human psyche.

In terms of technique, I maintained the structure of short, concise lines to mirror Waley’s original poem. This format helped me capture the essence of his work while allowing me to express my own thoughts and emotions within the framework. Additionally, I incorporated a sense of movement and rhythm, inspired by Waley’s style, to create a flowing narrative that draws readers into the imaginative world of the poem.

This exercise has highlighted the power of incorporating elements from the humanities into personal and job-related creative processes. By engaging with existing works of art or literature, we can gain inspiration and develop our own unique perspectives. The process of reimagining allows us to explore different techniques, modify elements, and infuse our own experiences and ideas into the work, creating something that is both familiar and original.

Furthermore, incorporating humanities into our thinking processes helps foster critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of human emotions and experiences. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives and society at large, promoting personal growth and fostering connections with others.

In conclusion, this exercise has demonstrated how elements from the humanities can be harnessed to create personal and job-related works that are both inspired by existing art forms and reflective of our own unique perspectives. By engaging with the rich tapestry of human creativity, we can expand our horizons, deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and offer fresh insights into the world around us.