The Tale of Genji

Article written by Charles Asoluka

Degree in Computer Engineering. Passed TOEFL Exam. Seasoned literary critic.

‘The Tale of Genji‘ by Murasaki Shikibu is an expansive and intricately crafted literary masterpiece that offers a vivid portrayal of the life and romantic endeavors of Prince Genji. Set in the elegant and refined world of the Heian court during early 11th century Japan, this novel presents a captivating narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

At its essence, this novel delves into the captivating life journey of Prince Genji, also known as Hikaru Genji or Shining Genji. With his unparalleled beauty, intelligence, and artistic talents, Genji effortlessly captivates the hearts and minds of those around him. Born to an emperor and a low-ranking concubine, Genji’s complex lineage shapes his experiences and societal position, bestowing upon him both privilege and challenges throughout his life.

This literary work not only provides a glimpse into the opulent and refined world of the Heian court but also explores the intricate relationships and dynamics that exist within this society. Through the lens of Prince Genji’s experiences, readers are transported to a world of courtly intrigue, passionate love affairs, and profound introspection.

Key Facts about The Tale of Genji

• Book Name: ‘The Tale of Genji’ (Genji Monogatari (源氏物語))
• Author: Murasaki Shikibu.
• Type of Work: Novel.
• Genre: Drama.
• Language: Early Middle Japanese.
• Year Published: Before 1021.
• Perspective and Narrator: The Tale of Genji is told by an omniscient, third-person narrator who occasionally interjects in first person.
• Tense: The Tale of Genji is written mainly in the present tense.

Murasaki Shikibu and The Tale of Genji

Murasaki Shikibu had a very unusual upbringing; she was raised by a revered expert in poetry and Chinese literature. Murasaki studied Chinese despite the fact that it was against the law for women to do so at the time and excelled in the subject. Murasaki stayed with her father when he went to Echizen Province as a governor rather than staying with her mother and getting married as a teenager. She also waited until she was 25 years old to get married, in 998. Before her husband passed away two years later, she gave birth to one daughter. Murasaki began writing The Tale of Genji around the time of her husband’s death and continued to write chapters after she was sent to serve as a lady in waiting at Empress Shōshi’s court. There, she served until at least 1014 and possibly until 1025; the exact year of her death is unknown.

The noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu penned the classic masterpiece of Japanese literature ‘The Tale of Genji’ in the first half of the 11th century. The original manuscript, which was written somewhere during the Heian period’s height, is no longer extant. It was produced in the “concertina” or “orihon” manner, which involved pasting multiple sheets of paper together and folding them in opposite directions. The piece is a distinctive representation of the upper courtiers’ way of life during the Heian era. It is written in a poetic, archaic manner that is difficult to read without specialist training. Genji was not translated into modern Japanese until the early 20th century by the poet Akiko Yosano.

Books Related to The Tale of Genji

The Last Children of Tokyo by Yōko Tawada tells the story of Yoshiro, who believes he may live forever. He is one of Japan’s numerous “old-elderly,” or people over the age of 100, who can still remember a period before the air and the sea were contaminated and before horrible events forced Japan to cut off relations with the rest of the world. He may live for many years, but he is aware that his cherished great-grandson, who was born weak and prone to illness, may not reach adulthood. Every day, Mumei needs all of Yoshiro’s cunning to survive. A covert organization launches an audacious scheme to find a cure as prospects for Japan’s youth wane; may Yoshiro’s great-grandson hold the key to save the last of Tokyo’s children?

The Salmon Who Dared To Leap Higher by Ahn Do-Hyun narrates the tale of a salmon that dares to escape his doom because of his distinctive silver scales. It’s a tale about maturing as much as about intense, aching love. Since the salmon cannot see it, swimming upstream entails pursuing a desire. A thoughtful, sensitive, and uplifting modern story about finding freedom and harmony with nature that we have either forgotten or lost in the binding realities of life, The Salmon Who Dared To Jump Higher is about a salmon that dared to leap higher.

The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon is a fascinating, detailed account of Japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of Heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions.

Lasting Impact of The Tale of Genji