THE TALE OF GENJI: A BOOK REVIEW

THE TALE OF GENJI: A BOOK REVIEW

Saturday, March 14, 2009
by Kamille Loise Asis Ramos
IV- Sir Isaac Newton

I. Introduction

At the turn of the millennium, a lady-in-waiting to the Japanese empress kept a journal in the form of a fairy tale and wrote about her romantic hero, Prince Genji, and life at the Heian court. It would later be proclaimed by many as the finest work of Japanese literature. Lady Murasaki Shikibu's colossal and episodic novel, "The Tale of Genji," is an implausible source for an opera. It is sometimes designated the world's first novel; perhaps it could be called the world's first bonk buster, dealing as it does with the irresistibly attractive Prince Genji and his many love affairs. The name 'Genji' is something of a smokescreen, though.

Murasaki Shikibu wrote the undisputed masterpiece of Japanese literature Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji). This monumental prose work, scattered with 795 short poems, takes place at the imperial court. Although much of the author's life remains a mystery, some facts can be gleaned from remarks by her contemporaries, her memoirs (c. 1010), and her poetry collection (1014?). The author's actual name is unknown. "Murasaki Shikibu" is a sobriquet made from "Murasaki," the name of the favorite wife of the eponymous hero of Genji, and "Shikibu," an office once held by her father Fujiwara Tametoki and her brother Nobunori. Although Murasaki Shikibu came from the powerful northern branch of the Fujiwara clan, her lineage had fallen to the level of provincial governor. As a writer she followed the path of her paternal relatives, many of whom were distinguished poets.

The novel earned Murasaki Shikibu notoriety even in the early 11th century, some six hundred years before the printing press made it available to the masses. Court society, which served as the subject of the novel, sought out chapters. Some thousand years later, Murasaki Shikibu and her novel continue to delight an enthusiastic audience. Stamps, scrolls, comic books, museums, shower gel, movies, parades, puppet plays, CD-ROMS: Murasaki Shikibu and her creation Genji have achieved National Treasure status in Japan and admiration all over the world.

II. Summary of the Content

This is a story of an imagined prince who had just about everything- brains, looks, charm, artistic talent and the love of well- born ladies. He was Genji, "the shining one", so dear to his father, the emperor, that the latter reduced his rank to that of a commoner, to spare him the malice at court. The Emperor knows that without influential maternal relatives, Genji's position as a crown prince (or a son picked to become future Emperor) would be tentative, especially after his own death. As dictated by his position, all his acts are watched by many and so he had to make a complete clandestine in doing his hobbies when it comes to courting ladies. He had connived with the other people he trusted inside the court for him to be saved from all his mistakes but it is the too much of him, continuing his vagary.

It incorporates the theme which unifies much of the actions done. But this appreciation is tempered by an understanding of the impermanence of all things, especially life. The theme of surface phenomenon as illusory repeats itself throughout Buddhist doctrine. It is the prevailing attitude that gives the novel a tone of underlying sorrow, which can be overcome through all he experiences, day by day plans, we ourselves create.

III. Analysis of the Text

The writer wrote the novel with all of her candor, though imaginary, she was able to vindicate the theme and the real intent of the novel. Written with all the applicable wit she possesses, the novel is with her best judgments that she included different characteristics of a man, all put into one morale.

IV. Evaluation of the Text

After reading the book, I can say that Murasaki, indeed, made a great novel. I felt whole heartedly those things she wanted the readers to understand and to take note. Those parts which made me overwhelmed created a cloud of answers to the questions which came entering first in my mind, even before reading the text. In the end of the twists, I can say that the book is one of a kind, and I recommend you to take time in reading this. It is really wonderful.