The Tale of Genji (Magill’s Literary Annual 1991-2005)
At a glance:
- Author: Lady Murasaki Shikibu
- First Published: 1004
- Type of Work: Novel
- Time of Work: The tenth century
- Setting: The imperial Japanese capital of Kyoto, and surroundings
- Principal Characters: Genji, Kokiden consort, Aoi, Fujitsubo, Reizei, Murasaki, Akashi no Kimi, Onna San no Miya, Niou, Oigimi
- 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
Written a thousand years ago in Japan by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, The Tale of Genji takes place in Japan’s imperial city of Kyoto. It is a time of aristocracy, strict social hierarchy, and imperial wealth and ceremony, and court intrigues and powerful alliances are endemic. Social order and imperial protocol frown upon superficial gallantry, gossips, and scandals, yet these very predilections prevail under the guise of good manners, social etiquette, and propriety, and flourish among lords and ladies of gentility.
Incredibly popular in Japan, and considered one of its...
[The entire page is 2209 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
