What makes a novel? A lengthy prose, engaging characters, and an intriguing plot come to mind. All this, and far more, makes Tales of Genji (Genji Monogatari) a fascinating read. At over 1000 years old, this Japanese work of fiction is credited as the oldest novel in modern history. It truly is a tale as old as time. The fact that this masterpiece was written by a woman, well ahead of her time, adds yet another layer of depth to its success.
Tales of Genji follows the life of Genji Hikaru, as he manoeuvres the political intrigue of the imperial palace and his own amorous affairs. Yet, behind the fiction, the reality may be just as fantastical.
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Women’s lives during The Heian period
Often referred to as one of the finest periods in Japanese history, the Heian era (794-1192) was prosperous, both politically and culturally. In 794 A.D., the capital city of Japan moved to Heian-Kyo – now Kyoto – and remained so until the late 19th century. Up until this time, Japan, although independent, was a nation culturally reliant on China. It adopted much of its literature, philosophy and political system from there. However, the Heian period saw a shift from dependence on China to one of introspection and internal growth. The rise of the aristocracy, most notably the Fujiwara family, and the creation of the kana writing style around the 9th century, helped cement this time as one of cultural expansion for Japan.
The role of women in this time period was largely determined by their marriage. They held little official power in politics, and their status was lower than that of men. Yet women of high social standing were educated in arts and literature, and often played an indirect role in political affairs.
Yet women were not allowed to learn the Chinese language, in which most political documents were written. This restricted their contributions in political affairs as well as their status in society. The creation of kana, however, a simpler and more phonetic system of writing than the Chinese characters, gave women the ability to express themselves through writing and allowed Japanese literature to flourish.
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The author of Genji
As a female poet, author, and courtesan in the early 1000s, her story is also one deserving of recognition. We now know her by the name Murasaki Shikibu, but her given name has been lost to time.
What we do know is that she was born to a minor branch of the prominent aristocratic Fujiwara family. Her moniker derives from the heroine of her novel, Murasaki; and Shikibu, as a nod to the role her father held in the Bureau of Rites, as a member of the imperial court.
Her exact year of birth is unknown, but it is estimated to be around the year 975 A.D. Her father, also a provincial governor, taught his daughter not only the simpler kana writing, but also Chinese characters - beyond what was customary for women to learn at the time.
She married late into her 20s but was widowed shortly after (1001 A.D.) and left with a young daughter. It is speculated that it is from this time that she began writing her masterpiece, Tales of Genji. Her knowledge and intelligence gained her recognition and, just a few years later - around 1005 A.D.-, she began working as a court lady to the Empress Akiko. During this time, she kept a diary (Murasaki Shikibu Nikki) detailing her experiences at the imperial palace and the birth of the Empress’ children. It is believed that it is also during this time that she secretly instructed the Empress on Chinese writing and language.
Does the tale have an end? (Beware of Spoilers)
Little is known of the end of Lady Murasaki’s life. It is thought she continued writing Genji for as long as she was able. The novel itself can be divided into two separate stories, the life of Genji and the tales that followed after his death. Ending in the middle of a sentence, many are of the mind that the novel was left unfinished. Yet some scholars believe that it was not her, but perhaps her daughter who continued the tale after her passing. The odd nature of the 54th and final chapter, most notably, its unusually abstract title, seem to lend some credibility to this theory. Some mysteries are not meant to be resolved; it seems.