'The Tale of Genji'

Paper Summary:

This novel was written by an aristocratic lady known as Murasaki Shikibu soon after the year 1000 A.D.. It offers a glimpse into the spirit as well as magnificence of the Heian era of Japan that extended from 794 AD to 1191. It tells the story of the life and loves of a handsome son, Hikaru Genji, born to an Emperor during the Heian Period. It details his various encounters with women and discusses the themes of love, friendship, affection and family.

From the Paper:

"'The Tale of Genji' has offered its readers an unparalleled glimpse into the spirit as well as magnificence of the Heian era of Japan that extended from 794 AD to 1191, between eras of the Nara and Kamakura. During that period where there was peace and economic stability, an aristocracy controlled by the Fujiwara family has dominated Japan, and the country's capital was located at Kyoto. While evaluating the novel, the readers may find with a strong theme, which is the notion of love, lust, in addition to the interaction of members of the opposite sex. Thus, The Tale of Genji is mostly the story about the relations between Genji and the people, which include mostly women whom he encountered. At the same time the story also explored the various themes of love, friendship, affection, filial loyalty, and last but not the least, family."

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