作品Free Graded Reading
御鷹The Hawk
O-taka
by 吉川 英治 · Yoshikawa Eiji
A samurai's pride is tested in a hawk-hunting conflict that turns deadly
About this story
About this storyA samurai wrestles with his conscience and a rival's challenge in feudal Japan.
Read a sample in Japanese
Read a sample in JapaneseWhat you'll learn
What you'll learnBenma wakes up feeling heavy-eyed and listless, thinking about his rival Kaku and the woman Oetsu. He learns that relatives have gathered and his father orders him to go away for training.
Benma's father, Shingonzaemon, announces the family's decision to send him away for training. Benma argues, but his uncle from Yumicho accuses him of improper behavior towards Oetsu and a duel is hinted at.
Key vocabulary
Key vocabulary| 眼がしぶい (めがしぶい) | eyes feel heavy/gummy (upon waking) |
|---|---|
| あばた | pockmarks; pitted scars (on face) |
| 果し状 (はたしじょう) | challenge letter (for a duel) |
| 吹雪 (ふぶき) | blizzard; name of a hawk |
Grammar points you'll meet
Grammar points you'll meet- ～のう (archaic) N1Archaic sentence-ending particle used by older men to express a mild assertion or emotion, often translated as '..., you know'.……わしは養子を迎えるより、あんたのような息子が欲しかったのう。
- ～じゃろう (archaic) N1Archaic form of だろう, used to conjecture or ask for agreement, often by older men.――さすがに体が緊まって来た。
Cultural notes
Cultural notes- 果し合い (Duel)A formal duel between samurai to settle disputes, often involving challenge letters (果し状). Dueling was strictly regulated in feudal Japan.
- 御鳥見組 (Imperial Falconers)A group of samurai in charge of hawking for the shogun. Falconry was a prestigious duty associated with the shogunate.
Try a comprehension question
Try a comprehension questionWhat does Benma do immediately after waking up?
- He eats breakfast.
- He smokes a pipe and looks at his sword.
- He goes for a walk outside.
- He reads a letter.
Sensei's reading tip
Sensei's reading tipPay attention to archaic verb endings and particles; they indicate speaker's status and era.
Topics & grammar
Topics & grammar
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