Of a Mirror and a Bell
The story revolves around the relationship between a mirror and a bell, which are personified as two lovers who are separated by a river. The mirror represents the woman, while the bell represents the man. They long to be reunited but are unable to cross the water that separates them. As time passes, the mirror becomes worn and faded, reflecting the passage of time and the longing in her heart. Meanwhile, the bell's sound grows weaker, symbolizing the decline of his love. One day, a strong wind blows, and the river overflows its banks, allowing the two lovers to be reunited. However, their reunion is short-lived, as they are soon separated again by the receding waters. The story explores themes of love, longing, and the transience of life, using the mirror and bell as metaphors for the human experience.
By Lafcadio Hearn · First published 1898 · Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Tragedy · 1,906 words
First lines
Eight centuries ago, the priests of Mugenyama, in the province of Tōtōmi (1), wanted a big bell for their temple; and they asked the women of their parish to help them by contributing old bronze mirrors for bell-metal.
[Even to-day, in the courts of certain Japanese temples, you may see heaps of old bronze mirrors contributed for such a purpose. The largest collection of this kind that I ever saw was in the court of a temple of the Jōdo sect, at Hakata, in Kyūshū: the mirrors had been given for the making of a bronze statue of Amida, thirty-three feet high.]
What this Textopian page supports
Of a Mirror and a Bell is listed on Textopian as an essay by Lafcadio Hearn, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Lafcadio Hearn
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Folklore, Tragedy, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,906 words
- Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of a Mirror and a Bell by Lafcadio Hearn
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Of a Mirror and a Bell?
- How does this essay by Lafcadio Hearn fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Dream Of Akinosuke by Lafcadio Hearn
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- The Soul Of The Great Bell by Lafcadio Hearn
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Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative incorporates supernatural elements, such as the magical properties of the mirror and the bell, and the beliefs surrounding them.
- Folklore — The story draws heavily on traditional Japanese beliefs and legends, reflecting cultural practices and moral lessons.
- Tragedy — The protagonist's regret and subsequent suicide highlight themes of loss, shame, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Literary Fiction — The work features a reflective and philosophical style, exploring deep emotional and existential themes.
Tags
Japanese Folklore · Folk Tales · Mythology · Cultural Studies · Anthropology · Ethnography · Travel Writing · Memoir · Autobiographical · Historical Nonfiction · Social Commentary · Philosophy