The Tale of Genji (Cyclopedia of Literary Places)
At a glance:
- Author: Lady Murasaki Shikibu
- First Published: 1004
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Romance
- Time of Work: Tenth century
- Genres: Long fiction, Romance, medieval
- Subjects: Suffering, Politics, Love or romance, Sex or sexuality, Betrayal, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, Asia or Asians, Adultery, Kings, queens, or royalty, Illegitimacy, Aristocracy or aristocrats, Orphans or orphanages, Japan or Japanese people, Middle Ages, Buddhism, Nobility, Princes or princesses, Royal courts or courtiers, Tenth century
- Locales: Kyoto, Japan
Places Discussed
*Kyōto (kyoh-toh). Japanese city in west-central Hōnshu, northeast of Osaka, that was the imperial capital from 794 through 1869. Protected by forested hills and drawing its drinking water from the clear Kamo River, the city has pleasant surroundings that make it a worthy dwelling place for the imperial household during the novel’s medieval Heian period. The aesthetic pleasures of the place are deeply appreciated by the characters, foremost of whom is the refined but illegitimate son of the emperor, Prince Genji. The characters draw inspiration from Kyōto...
[The entire page is 1261 words long]
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