The Tale of Genji
Beth, Nadia, and Holly
Reading Background
• The Tale of Genji was written at about the same time as Beowulf, between 1001
and 1013. It is considered by many to be the finest example of early Japanese prose
that exists. It is also the first real novel in world literature. (The English novel form
did not develop until the late 17th - early 18th century.) After reading this
selection, you might be surprised to learn that the author is a woman. The subject
of this tale is a young nobleman. In fact, he is the son of an emperor. Like the young
hero of the Bhagavad-Gita, this young, privileged nobleman is faced with a
dilemma. Unlike Arjuna, however, his is not one of philosophy and righteousness.
• Instead, Genji's dilemma is one that might best be summed up in the modern
concept of "too many women, too little time." What follows is a tale of a promising
young man with few or no restrictions, or rather every concession, who makes his
way through life womanizing and carousing. His behavior and treatment of women
may be shocking to us and our modern, western sensibilities. We must remember
that this story is set in a very different culture and a very different time. Moreover,
it involves a very different mindset concerning social rank and privilege. Keep in
mind these very significant differences as you read, and this tale should be better in
focus for you.
Weekly Notes
•The Tale of Genji is about the human ability to be touched by other people and by the
outside world, about the tantalizing line between love and lust, and about the vulnerability
of women in a male-dominated world.
•It celebrates the power of poetry, music, and dance to shape society and give depth to
human life.
Summary
Genji decided to abstain from all sexual and seductive affairs because he was afraid if he did them
secretly, that people would begin to gossip, which would spread and stain his name for
generations. He was serving as Middle Captain in the Palace Guard at the time and due to this, he
stopped visiting his wife as often. During this time, he would occasionally have a relationship
where he would forget about moderation and become obsessed with the woman. The relationships
usually would bring him stress and pain, making him act in a manner that was anything but proper.
During a long rainy season, Genji and his wife's brother, can't go visit their wives because of a
directional taboo. On a particularly rainy day, Tō no Chūjō, Genji's brother-in-law who is also
Genji's best friend, remain inside Genji's quarters discussing Genji's many letters from women. Tō
no Chūjō begins complaining about women, in which Genji questions his views. Soon, a guard and
warden enter Genji's quarters and tell them the weather will not permit them to leave the palace
and Tō no Chūjō asks them their opinion of his thoughts. They give their thoughts and soon begin
discussing stories of strange women and their faults and good traits. Genji is apparently super
attractive, being compared to a woman's beauty. They basically describe their dream women and
how they believe women should think and act in certain ways. The Warden warns them of women
leading them on. "They'll cheat on you and make you look foolish in the eyes of others." They tell
stories of different kinds of women. The Warden also says that just because women have not had a
formal education, they can still retain knowledge of public and private affairs. Genji compare his
woman to the women in these stories that are told and believes she is that special, rare type of
women.
Discussion
•What is the situation of women in
medieval Japan based on The Tale
of Genji? How does it compare with
what we have seen of women in
medieval Europe? Is it similar or
different than in ancient literature?
Part A
• The Tale of Genji refers to Buddhist values quite a bit.
Genji imitates the Buddhist belief of the time, by stating,
“ If they were not fundamentally evil they would not be
born a woman at all.” The author, illustrates the use of
women for political advancement through marriage
throughout the plot line. This mirrors the common use of
woman during that time period, by forming political
alliances obtained through arranged marriages made by
fathers.
Part B
• Japan and Europe were similar in the treatment of
women in medieval times. Both countries did not
allow women much, if any autonomy. They had to
obey whoever their main male was, whether it was
her father, her husband, her brother, or even her own
son! If the woman was from a poor family then she
would work hard her entire life, if she was from a rich
or royal family then, chances were she did not
participate in the politics, and just lived to satisfy her
husband. They did not have a choice in the most
important aspects of their lives; whether or not to
marry, to have children, to choose an occupation. This
was decided by their father or husband.