The Tale of Genji: Chapters 10 to 13

The Recap

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 learned that Matthew at A Guy’s Moleskine Notebook was hosting a read of The Tale of Genji.

Where I am

I’m still off the pace but I’m more at home with the book now, enjoying the setting and curious about just how things are going to develop.

There’s a lot to keep track of so I’m glad I kept notes from the start – I’d definitely be struggling without them now.

Chapter 10

“The Rokujo lady, rejected by Genji, recognises that it is time to move on, and leaves for Kamo, where her daughter will become high priestess. Meanwhile, the former emperor’s life is coming to an end. Shortly before his death, he advises the Suzaku emperor to take appoint Genji as an his advisors and adopt the current crown prince (see chapter 7) as his own son. The Suzaku emperor does not take his father’s advice – neither he nor his mother Kokiden, has any reason to love Genji. Alone and out of favour, Genji approaches Fujitsubo. She realises though that in the new climate and given their history (see chapter 7) it would be unwise for them to be linked, and so she announces her intentions to become a nun. The Minister of the Left, Genji’s father-in-law, and his sons are also out of favour, and so the opposing Minister of the Right becomes much more powerful. Genji begins to feel that everything is against him. Genji looks towards Oborozukiyo (see chapter. Of course, Oborozukiy8) and she welcomes into her bed. But the Minister of the Right learns of this and decides Genji had been dealt with too leniently and that a firmer hand is needed.”

Lovely writing and interesting developments, just a little bit disjointed.

Chapter 11

Genji visits Reikeiden, one of the former emperor’s ladies, and her younger sister. He knows that they have difficulties and wants to see if there is anything he could do for them. They share memories and Genji contemplates his life..

A very short chapter. It was nice to see a different, more thoughtful side of Genji and have a quieter period after the busyness of the last chapter

Chapter 12

Still out of favour at court, Genji considers exile on the Suma coast to get away from life. He is concerned about leaving Murasaki and Reikeiden, but eventually he decides that he has no alternative and sets out for the coast with a small retinue. Genji is comfortable in his new home, but he misses the people he has left behind. They miss him too. Many letters and gifts are exchanged and Genji receives a number of visitors. The Suzaku emperor and Kokiden are unhappy that, even in exile, Genji is the centre of attention. But life continues happily by the sea – until the night when a mighty storm blows into Suma. That night Genji has a dream that he interprets as a sign that he must leave.

Lovely. A perfect mix of writing, plot and setting.

Chapter13

The storm continues to rage and Genji begins to wonder if he is being punished. Finally it subsides and again Genji dreams. He sees his father, who tells him that he has come back to earth to make things right between Genji and the Suzaku emperor. The next day, a small boat arrives on the shore with a monk who was once the governor of Harima. He came because of a dream in which he was ordered to come to Suma and take Genji to Akashi. Hearing this, Genji decides to go with the monk. In Akashi, the presses Genji to meet his daughter, but Genji is reluctant, as he still plans to marry Murasaki. He does meet young woman, but finds reasons not to form a relationship.. Meanwhile storms are raging across Japan. It is believed that the Suzaku emperor must done something terribly wrong, though nobody knows quite what. The Suzaku emperor begins to wonder if the banishment of Genji was the sin that caused the storms. He overrules his mother’s objections and pardons Genji. Genji is overjoyed. The monk who has been pushing Genji toward his daughter is disappointed, but though Genji leaves he does not forget the young woman. Genji and the Suzaku emperor are reunited and genji decides that his future must lie with Murasaki.

Things are moving along nicely now and I’m enjoying spending time in this very different world.

Yes, I am  really enjoying this now. Genji seems to have acquired a little more depth over the last few chapters and the story seems more balnced and less fragmented.  I’m glad I stuck with it and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.