Questions About The Pillow Book

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how Shonagon's diary helps us to understand the culture which she lives in ?

Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) Immeasurably. We learn what it was like to live as a member of the ruling clan at the court of Kyoto over 1000 years ago. Dress was paramount, as was …moreImmeasurably. We learn what it was like to live as a member of the ruling clan at the court of Kyoto over 1000 years ago. Dress was paramount, as was a knowledge of history, literature, religion and legend. But you need the footnotes, as Shonagon writes for people who are living with her and know that culture from the inside. I recommend Meredith McKinney's translation. You'll need two bookmarks, one for where you're reading and the other at the end notes that go with that point. It's well worth reading slowly, taking your time.(less)

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Why does Waley's title refer to Sei Shonagon as a courtesan?

Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all) Because Waley tended to see things in the court of Kyoto as he chose to see them. She was a lady-in-waiting at the court, but not a "courtesan"--and w…moreBecause Waley tended to see things in the court of Kyoto as he chose to see them. She was a lady-in-waiting at the court, but not a "courtesan"--and well he knew it. Shonagon was many things but she was not a "courtesan."(less)

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No English translation?

Fedar S. There are several (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pil...), some versions are available online

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