Hōjōki: Visions of a Torn World

When describing the disasters he witnessed before entering seclusion, Chōmei writes with a dispassionate tone, focusing on the impermanence of all things. What does this say about living through repeated traumatic events?

Chōmei goes from a life in the busy capital city of Japan to quiet solitude in the mountains. How does the narrative structure of “Hōjōki” reflect this shift?

How is Chōmei’s socioeconomic background reflected in his writing? Consider his upbringing at the shrine and his poetic accolades.