The Tale of Genji | The Tale of Genji

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

*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 Tale of Genji | The Tale of Genji

At a glance:

Places Discussed

Join eNotes