Whether or not it’s a book that you would read, the Tale of Genji is a fascinating proposition. An epic tale from 11th century Japan, long before printing presses, that survives to this day.
I was inspired to pick up my copy when I found that Matthew at A Guy’s Moleskine Notebook is hosting a read of The Tale of Genji. I’ve fallen behind, but now I’ve caught up with some other things I’m going to catch up with this.
The book is very readable, but because it is very long, with a broad scope and a big cast to keep track of, I’m writing notes to help me keep track.
So here is the latest batch:
Chapter 5
Genji is stricken with malaria and, after attempting several cures, he is advised to visit a sage who lives in the mountains. Genji goes up to see the man, and is cured. While he is in the mountains Genji sees Murasaki, a beautiful young girl who is only 10 years of age, living at a nearby nunnery.She bears a marked resembla to Fujitsubo (see chapter 1), who Genji has been meeting in secret. Genji determines and make Murasaki his wife when is grown. Both the Bishop, Murasaki’s guardian, and Shonagon, the woman caring for the child, oppose Genji’s plan, but he will not give way. He kidnaps her and demands that anyone who wants to come along to care for the girl come too – Shonagon goes. Murasaki is initially frightened of Genji and, but he is happy, warm and caring when he is with her and gradually a bond forms between them.
Lovely writing and an intriguing story, but so much for my hope that Genji was showing signs of maturity. A difficult one to come to terms with, cultural differences not withstanding.
Chapter 6
Genji misses having a woman in his life and strikes up a friendship with Tayu, daughter of one of his former nurses. Tayu provides him with reports about a princess living in very poor conditions. Genji asks Tayu to act as his go-between with the Safflower Princess and a courtship begins. The princess is shy and rebuffs Genji’s advances, but he persists, believing her to be a great beauty. But when he does see her face Genji discovers that the princess is not attractive at all. He abandons the courtship but he does not abandon the priness completely. He becomes her protector and benefactor and she is grateful for that. Finally, returns to his home in Nijo, where Murasaki is staying, and the two of them enjoy spending time together again.
Aaaagh! Another woman and no plot development. Unless the Safflower Princess is going to be significant later in the story…..
Chapter 7
When Genji returns he is the talk of the court. His womanizing has made him notorious and rumours about Murasaki are circulating. Aoi, Geji’s wife, treats him coldly. Her father, the Minister of the Left is unhappy with his daughters treatment, but because he likes Genji and knows that he is a favourite of the emperor he does nothing. To no Chujo (see chapter 2) falls out with Genji and decides to play a little trick to play on him while he is sleeping with Naishi, a woman in her sixties. Genji is shaken but the friends are soon reconciled. Meanwhile, Fujitsubo is carrying Genji’s child. She retires from court and gives birth to a son who bears a striking resemblance to Genji. Fortunately the emperor believes the child is his, saying that the resemblance is because all beautiful people look alike. He decides to name Fujitsubo as his empress and name her son as the next in line for the throne behind Kokiden’s son, the current crown prince. Genji’s son is now in line to succeed to the throne.
Now this is better. Plot development and some interesting possibilities set up.
Chapter 8
Genji makes a major splash at The Festival of the Cherry Blossoms, and To no Chujo is also a great success. After the festival, Genji finds a woman to share his bed. She leaves in the morning without him learning her name. Later though he discovers that she is Oborozukiyo, the sister of Kokiden.
Not so much plot development, but some lovely background and interplay.
Chapter 9
The emperor abdicates and leaves court, taking Fujitsubo with him. Genji has to tread carefully now that Kokiden’s son, the new Suzaku emperor, is on the throne. He avoids meeting any new women and distances himself from the women he has slept with. The Rokujo lady is particularly hurt. Genji begins to spend more time with his wife, and she becomes pregnant. Genji is very pleased, as he will finally have a child that he can acknowledge. But Aoi has a difficult pregnancy. Priests are called and they attempt to exorcise demons living in Aoi. There is one spirit though that they can do nothing about, and Aoi becomes weaker and weaker. Genji hears the spirit talk through Aoi’s mouth, and he realizes that it sounds exactly like the Rokujo lady. Eventually Aoi gives birth to a son. Genji is delighted, but he soon has to return to court to fulfill his duties. It is there that he hears the news that his wife is dead. Genji gives Aoi a grand funeral and mourns, but soon he begins to plan for the future. He decides to marry Murasaki and so he returns to Nijo. He hints to Murasaki that he wants to share his bed with her. Murasaki had no idea of his intentions and is shocked and distressed. But Genji presses on with his plans for their marriage.
Overall a mixed report on these five chapters. The writing is lovely and there have been some interesting plot developments and possibilities thrown up. I’m just about keeping tabs on the characters and I’m gaining a little more understanding of the society. My problem is Genji himself. Words fail me! But I live in hope, and I’m hanging on!
July 5, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I’m enjoying following everyone’s progress. This is quite an undertaking but, unfortunately, one I couldn’t take on just now.
Your note-taking approach will surely help keep track of it all!
July 5, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I’m not sure I’d say this book is very readable, but then I am reading a different translation to you, so that may be the reason. This is becoming more like a book study than a readalong for me. I’m pleased I’m taking part though. It is very interesting to find out what their life was like.
July 5, 2009 at 9:35 pm
JoAnn – Yes, it is an undertaking, but I thought that if I didn’t read now with a read-a-long I might never. And as it isn’t a book I will read a second time and will give away, I will gain shelving for some of my many unshelved books. The notes are proving invaluable as characters are often poping up after a few chapter’s absence.
Jackie – Purely by luck I have the Edward G Seidensticker translation and I am finding it very clear. That plus my notes to refer back means I’m not having too much trouble following things, though no doubt I am missing some of the subtleties.