The exceptionally long novel "Genji Monogatari"
written by Murasaki Shikibu is not only the
foremost literary work of the Heian period.
It is also one of the supreme glories of Japanese
literature. This classical work which describes,
in high-flown style, an amazingly eventful
life of an intelligent, handsome noble "Hikaru
Genji" is even today admired by many Japanese
readers.
Murasaki Shikibu was a
nyobo (court-lady) who served Shoshi, wife
of the Emperor Ichijo. She was a contemporary
of See Shonagon. In striking contrast with
Sei Shonagon who went to everything showy,
Murasaki Shikibu liked to be reserved in the
presence of others. So it seems that she disliked
Sei Shonagon. In her diary, Murasaki Shikibu
notes: "she (Sei Shonagon) is a disgusting
woman, looking big. Sooner or later, she will
give herself away. Only to learn a lesson."
Combination of Hiragana and
Chinese character
The characteristic woman literature of the Heian
period was made possible partly by the invention
of hiragana, a Japanese syllabary. While Chinese
characters were officially used in those days, the
use of hiragana in combination with Chinese characters
dramatically increased the breadth and depth of
presentation. Hiragana were formerly called female
characters, and in the Heian period they were used
only by women.
Plot of Genji Monogatari
Hikaru Genji. hero of the novel. was born between
an emperor and his low-ranking wife. He is described
as a perfect man gifted with good looks, talent,
and noble character. Genji Monogatari is a story
describing extravagant, yet repentant, love affairs
of Hikaru Genji with his many lovers.
The first lady whom Hikaru Genji
loved was Fujitsubo who had much of the image
of his mother. Fujitsubo was another wife
of his father, or a mother-in-law of Hikarti
Genji. Thus the story begins with the illicit
love of Hikaru Genji with Fujitsubo.
While Hikaru
Genji experiences love affairs with many noble
beauties in succession, he can never forget
his first lover Fujitsubo. Every one of the
ladies falling in love with him becomes heartbroken
and none of them, including Hikaru Genji himself,
feels happy for long.
Although Hikaru Genji is once
relegated to an office in a remote place,
he eventually returns to the capital of Heian
(Kyoto), where he wins speedy promotion and
lives a life full of splendor. It is the period
in which Hikaru Genji spends his happiest
days.
However, in
his latter years, Hikaru Genji is far from
happy. One his wives has an illicit love affair
with a young man, giving birth to a boy, who
is named Kaoru. Reflecting the illicit love
with his mother-in-law in his youth, Hikal
Genji is battered by the handness of the world
and enters the priesthood.
紫式部・980-1014
