Gabriel Perez-Galceran 11/07/21 ‘’The Loyal 47 Ronin’’ Reflection 5 This true story which honored the 47 samurai who became ronin after their Lord was instructed to commit seppuku due to his aggressive behavior towards a court official named, Kira Yoshinaka, is an epic tale about revenge, loyalty, and courage. Their revenge plan, which took a year of organizing, involved patience and strategy. Even though they were fully aware of the deathly consequences that would arise from assaulting Lord Kira’s estate, such as also being obliged to undergo seppuku, they exacted their retribution with bravery and trust. What struck me right away was how the script built up the escalating conflict between Lord Asano and Lord Kira in the Imperial Palace at Edo. The issues presented made the audience realize what concerns were at stake when Kira, a high-ranking aristocrat, humiliates and corrupts the more provincial Asano. I also deeply admire the loyalty presented amongst the samurai because they followed the Bushido code even though it was no longer required. For example, they seek vengeance, but they must heed the advice of Asano's main counselor, Oishi Kuranosuke, who has petitioned the Shogun to enable Asano's younger brother to replace him as Daimyo of Asano's land. Only once this petition is refused will the guys be able to formulate a strategy, and only then will they be able to do it in complete secrecy. Oishi also used several strategies such as counseling surrender, plotting for revenge, giving up everything, especially his wife, and disguises his intentions to get rid of spies. One of the samurai, Emoshichi, sacrifices his honesty with his mother because he was tied to secrecy. It isn’t until the near end does he admit everything to her, and she tells him how proud she is of him for keeping his great secret. One of the women, Kin, also becomes enamored with a samurai, but he never tells her his real name and must sacrifice his love for her to continue his act of duty, which I respected. The samurai did what was proper in their eyes. They exacted vengeance on their lord and brought Kira to justice. They didn't attack immediately, which some considered cowardly. However, they were successful. Nothing they accomplished, in my opinion, was a failure. I think ‘’The Loyal 47 Ronin’’ is so popular because the characters are extremely layered. The audience grows attached to the characters because of how honorable they are to their duty. It is still revered today because it struck a chord with people and is reenacted every year on the anniversary date.
