The Tale of Genji (Volume B)

Murasaki Shikibu

highly educated segregation from men/ gender asymetry Heian imperial court life Aristocratic Women

Heian Noblewoman

“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). Heian Noblewoman (continued)

Women Behind Curtains

“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). An Ideal Wife

Heian Era Nobleman

“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) Matrilocal Family, Kazoku

Pure Land Buddhism

“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). Pure Land Buddhism (continued)

Denki (fantastical) Uta (poetic) Tsukuri (romances) Rekishi (historical) Gunki (war tales) Setsuwa (anecdotes) Giko (imitations) Monogatari

Calligraphy

“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). Asian Influences on Genji

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? Discussion Questions

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