That's fascinating! The story of the rooster and the Kan-koku-kan gate adds a significant layer of complexity and intrigue to the final line of the poem. Here's how the episode enriches our understanding of the poem:
-
Reversal of Expectations: The Chinese episode establishes a familiar narrative: a hero overcoming a seemingly insurmountable obstacle through cleverness and trickery. By referencing this episode, the poet sets up an expectation that the speaker might similarly find a way to overcome their situation (whatever it may be).
-
Subversion and Irony: The final line then subverts this expectation. The speaker declares they will "never allow the Osaka Barrier of this world," asserting their refusal to use trickery or deceit like the rooster. This creates irony: while referencing a tale of trickery, the speaker declares their unwillingness to employ similar tactics.
-
Possible Interpretations: This leads to several potential interpretations:
- Moral Stance: The speaker might be taking a principled stand against deception, even if it offers temporary relief. This suggests a strong character valuing integrity over escape or short-term gains.
- Defeatism: The speaker might acknowledge the futility of their situation and express a pessimistic or fatalistic acceptance of their plight. This creates a sense of resignation and a potential contrast to the optimism of the Chinese episode.
- Open Ending: The poem could intentionally leave the ending open-ended. By referencing the rooster's trick but refusing to replicate it, the speaker hints at a potential conflict or challenge without revealing whether (or how) it will be resolved.
The Importance of Context: Without knowing the broader context of the poem and the specific circumstances facing the speaker, it's difficult to determine the exact intention behind the last line. However, the reference to the Chinese episode