Steffen
Jackson Steffen
Mrs. Willett
English 9
September 25, 2017
Japanese Folktale “Green Willow”
The Japanese folktale “Green Willow” teaches the importance of true love, and the value of it that should be protected forevermore. This short story uses Tomotada, who is the main protagonist, and his noble adventure as a way of demonstrating this central theme to readers, and to show the true importance of this moral in the real world. This theme is first introduced when Tomotada presents himself in front of the young girl he meets in the old couple’s home, which is when he first feels his strong attraction to her. Tomotada is awestruck by this youthful woman and instantly feels the need to take this girl’s hand in marriage. This initial introduction represents the overall theme because it shows that the personal drive created by love at first sight, which then becomes true love, gave Tomotada a feeling like no other; a feeling that should be protected. Because of this intense feeling, he strives to impress this woman and do things he wouldn’t otherwise consider, had he not found his true love. Another place in the story that supports this theme is when Tomotada, after receiving the blessings of the old couple and the permission to marry their daughter, is fa...
