The Tale of Genji

by Murasaki Shikibu

The central theme of the book is Prince Genji's love life. There is little violence or action. Human emotions and the beauties of nature are skillfully explored in the pages of Genji Monogatari . As the book proceeds through its various episodes, it takes on a religious tone by drawing attention to the vanity of life and the illusory nature of the world. Lady Murasaki was immersed in the Buddhism that had, by Heian times, taken a very firm grip on the Japanese mind. The cult of love has a dominant place in her novel, but the underlying theme of the book is unquestionably religious. Awareness of the fleeting nature of things and the sadness of human affairs was always with Lady Murasaki.

Genji Monogatari is the supreme classic of Japanese literature, appreciated the world over. Its style has been copied over the centuries but never surpassed. Lady Sei Shonagon's Makura no Soshi (Pillow Book), which also deals with Heian court life, is its only possible rival.

The Emperor, though he had already passed the meridian of life, was still fond of the society of the fair sex. And his Court was full of ladies who were well versed in the ways of the world.

soh-koto

biwa