The Tale of Genji Essay - 1999 Words

The Tale of Genji is seen as many things, whether it is the first novel written or the world’s first psychological novel. In this book, Murasaki Shikibu tells the story of Hikaru Genji and his experiences. The Tale of Genji is considered the world’s first novel; the story takes us through the birth and death of Genji, a smart, attractive, and talented boy. Genji, is the second son of Emperor Kiritsubo and as the son of an emperor Genji’s life is extremely controlled, whether it be arranged marriages or having little to no secrecy. Through his extra-ordinary life, Genji deals with very ordinary circumstances; various love affairs, some of which bearing children, and the death of loved ones. Shikibu is able to capture her readers in this†¦show more content†¦(Ch. 1) In this scenario Shikibu is able to capture reality in such a simple event by retelling a very common occurrence. When one chooses what is right over what one wants. Genji is smart, handsome, t alented, and everything and more that a father wants in a child, which makes it obvious as to why the emperor wants him as his heir. The emperor’s first born was the son of Lady Kokiden who was of royal blood, the backing his first son received became an added pressure in that if the emperor chose to make Genji his heir then this decision would not end up looking good by the royal family. The emperor made a choice that has been made by so many, that Shikibu is able to have the emperor relate to many of her readers. With this tiny part of the book she is able to put the lesson of choosing what is right over what is wanted into the collection of lessons that The Tale of Genji holds. Genji grows older and not only becomes married to Princess Aoi, but he also gains a strong friendship with his brother in law, To-no-Chujo. The two friends like many boys, discuss women and the troubles that arise from relationships. To-no-Chujo and Genji have a big discussion over this, while reliv ing past relationships the Chief Equerry arrives and joins in on the discussion. To-no-Chujo remarks on a woman he actually bore a child with and that they did not stay together because she was too forgiving and submissive. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Tale of Genji2288 Words   |  10 PagesGenji Paper Cultural structures are often very complex and unique guidelines that vary across the globe. These cultural aspects provide a prominent background into the lives of each society respectfully, as seen often throughout the historic piece of literature, The Tale of Genji. Three crucial aspects depicted in the novel’s progression are the role of women, Buddhism, and the political configuration, each containing positive and negative attributes prevalent in the tale. 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The Tale of Genji is not only an important part of Japanese literature, but also gives the reader a good idea of what culture and life was like in Japan during the Heian period. In this essay, I will be talking about certain things in the Tale of Genji and how this novel reflects the characteristics of the cultural, historical, andRead MoreThe Tale Of Genji By Murasaki Shikibu1527 Words   |  7 Pages Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, defines contemporary aristocratic etiquette and lifestyles of the Heian era. Her Fujiwara lineage, the clan which organized marriage unions with the emperor, renders intimate credibility of court life albeit from eyes of the middle rank. Insight unto the dynamic between men and women within this regal mileur gleam an emphasis of status, social and emotional, and capability am ongst the sexes. The society portrayed in the story is one of a privileged cluster