The Tale of Genji (Volume B)
Murasaki Shikibu
Aristocratic Women
• highly educated
• segregation from men/ gender asymetry
• Heian imperial court life
Heian Noblewoman
Heian Noblewoman (continued)
“The mother of the newborn prince did not
come from a family of the highest rank, but
neither was she of such low status that
she should have been constantly by the
Emperor’s side like a common servant” (p.
1161).
Women Behind Curtains
An Ideal Wife
“Above all, a wife must never neglect her duty
to assist her husband. A husband can get
along well enough if a woman is not too
emotionally demanding, does not make a big
fuss over niceties, and doesn’t give herself
over to fashion. Of course, a man doesn’t
want a wife who is too serious…” (p. 1175)
“When all is said and done, we men really
should consider picking a completely
childlike, compliant woman…a woman we
can mold into an acceptable and flawless
wife” (p. 1175).
Heian Era Nobleman
Matrilocal Family, Kazoku
“Because the young Genji was always at his
father’s side, he was constantly in the presence of
the women who attended His Majesty most
frequently…Fujitsubo still possessed the
loveliness of youthful beauty, and try as she might
to keep herself hidden away behind her screens,
Genji, who was always nearby, would catch
glimpses of her figure. He had no memory of his
mother, and when he heard the head of the
imperial household staff say that Fujitsubo looked
just like her, his young heart ached with wistful
longing—if only he could always be close to his
father’s new consort!” (p. 1166)
Pure Land Buddhism
Pure Land Buddhism (continued)
“It is said that it was the Korean diviner who,
in his admiration, first bestowed upon
Genji the sobriquet, Radiant Prince” (p.
1170).
“They say the guiding voice of Buddha will
never delude you or lead you astray, even
in the darkest places” (followed by a poem
on impermanence, p. 1192).
Monogatari
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Denki (fantastical)
Uta (poetic)
Tsukuri (romances)
Rekishi (historical)
Gunki (war tales)
Setsuwa (anecdotes)
Giko (imitations)
Calligraphy
Asian Influences on Genji
“Fujitsubo replied:
Chinese dancers conceived the “Waves of
the Blue Sea”/ Twirling their sleeves so long
ago and far away/ But your every gesture
touched me here and now” (p. 1211).
“One boat, adorned with the head of a dragon,
held performers playing Chiense court music,
while the other boat, adorned with the head
of a blue heron, carried performers playing
Korean court music. There were many
varieties of Chinese and Korean Dance”
(p.1211).
Discussion Questions
Modern readers may assume that Genji is
a misogynist, womanizer, pedophile, and
rapist, yet none of these appellations is
included in the Tale of Genji, which was
written by a woman. According to the
author, what should modern readers
derive from the work concerning Genji’s
moral character and values?
Discussion Questions
Genji argues that all storytelling is
worthwhile, whether relating bad or good
behavior, fact or fiction, shallow or deep
themes, or sometimes adding fabrications
for the “circumstances of its characters.”
Do you agree?
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