The Soul of the Great Bell
This work is a collection of essays that explore Japanese culture and philosophy through the symbolism of a great bell. The author examines the significance of the bell in various aspects of Japanese life, including its role in Shinto rituals, its use in Buddhist temples, and its representation in art and literature. Through this lens, the author delves into themes such as the nature of sound, the concept of emptiness, and the relationship between the individual and society.
By Lafcadio Hearn · First published 1898 · Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Historical Fiction · 2,004 words
First lines
_She hath spoken, and her words still resound in his ears._ HAO-KHIEOU-TCHOUAN: c. ix.
What this Textopian page supports
The Soul of the Great Bell is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Lafcadio Hearn
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Historical Fiction, Tragedy, Romance
- Length: 2,004 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Soul of the Great Bell by Lafcadio Hearn
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Soul of the Great Bell?
- How does this short story by Lafcadio Hearn fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Return Of Yen Tchin King by Lafcadio Hearn
- Of A Mirror And A Bell by Lafcadio Hearn
- The Legend Of Tchi Niu by Lafcadio Hearn
- The Dream Of Akinosuke by Lafcadio Hearn
- The Chinese Phoenix by Jorge Luis Borges
- Reincarnation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative incorporates magical elements, such as the transformation of a maiden's sacrifice into the creation of a powerful bell.
- Mythology — The story draws on themes and motifs common in myths, including sacrifice, divine commands, and the blending of human and supernatural elements.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, the story references the Ming dynasty and incorporates cultural and historical details of ancient China.
- Tragedy — The narrative centers around themes of loss and sacrifice, culminating in the tragic fate of the protagonist.
Tags
Japanese Culture · Folklore · Mythology · Spirituality · Philosophy · Buddhism · Shintoism · Symbolism · Metaphysics · Mysticism · Esotericism · Eastern Philosophy