Analysis Of The Poem The Tale Of Genji - 1661 Words

Beauty in the Tale of Genji From 794 to 1185, the Heian period was a cultural renaissance where remarkable art, poetry, fashion, and literature flourished in Japan. Murasaki Shikibu, was the nickname to a lady of the court and as was common for noble women at the time, she was experienced in the arts such as poems, literature, painting, and calligraphy. Amongst her work, is the classic known as Genji Monogatari or translated in English as The Tale of Genji, that illustrates the life of an idealistic prince in the imperial court. The Tale of Genji is known as one of the oldest novels in the world and is still appreciated today for it’s capture of the realism and etiquette of what life was like for the those living in imperial court in the†¦show more content†¦Reputation of these woman depended on secrecy as well, if a woman was involved with affairs, she would be humiliated and find no suitors. Furthermore, a man’s image in society would be stained if he was caught in affairs, particularly with lower class women, such as Yugao as he only secretly visited her when everyone in her household was asleep. If the secret of an affair is leaked out or known amongst the women the men are associated with, it can cause jealously. It is believed that the vengeful spirit of one of Genji’s affair, Lady Rokujo learned of Genji’s relationship with Aoi and Yagao and killed them. Lady Rokujo is said to have come upon Yugao and killed her in her sleep, whereas Aoi died shortly after childbirth due to lady Rokujo, Thus, it can be said that many people in the aristocracy of the Heian period lived a life where secrecy affected many parts of their culture such as communication, attraction, and reputation. The standards of beauty was very different during these times, compared to modern standards of beauty. The standard look for a beautiful woman was to have long hair stretching far enough to reach the ground, layers of clothing to hide one’s body and display status, pa le skin, plump characteristics, and black teeth. If one was to lose their traits, such as their long black hair, they would be considered ugly in society. Though it was not only physical characteristics that made women attractive during the time. AShow MoreRelatedMonogatari : A Historical Analysis1466 Words   |  6 PagesGenji Monogatari: A Historical Analysis Genji Monogatari, or as it is known in the Western world, the Tale of Genji, is considered one of Japan’s greatest literary works. Murasaki Shikibu, the story’s disputed author, was a noblewoman with ties to the Fujiwara clan, the ruling house at the time. She is said to have written the story as a form of entertain her contemporaries (Waley). Due to Genji’s noble birth, the majority of the characters introduced in the story are the elite members of societyRead Moretale of genji Essay example5465 Words   |  22 Pages Unit 3: Analysis of Fiction This Unit Activity will help you meet these educational goals: 21st Century Skills—You will use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, employ online tools for research and analysis and communicate effectively. Introduction Literature has long been a major source of information and entertainment. Learning to analyze literary work systematically can significantly add to your enjoyment and appreciation of literature. The aim of literary analysis is to extractRead Morehope3544 Words   |  15 PagesUnit 3 Analysis of Fiction This Unit Activity will help you meet these educational goals 21st Century SkillsYou will use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, employ online tools for research and analysis and communicate effectively. Introduction Literature has long been a major source of information and entertainment. Learning to analyze literary work systematically can significantly add to your enjoyment and appreciation of literature. The aim of literary analysis is to extract informationRead MoreAsian History: Review2325 Words   |  10 Pagesmembers of imperial households and leading aristocratic families lived in a complex of palaces and gardens which the Japanese saw as most appealing. There were artificial lakes and fine gardens in every courtiers living quarters. Writing verse and poems were valued art types and were full of Japanese Classics and Chinese allusions. C. What led to the decline of imperial power within Japan? While the emperor was goofing off, aristocratic families were trying to run the imperial bureaucracy