"The Tale of Genji"

Paper Summary:

This informative paper details the plot of Shikibu's novel, "The Tale of Genji" which centers on Hikaru Genji, the son of a Heian period emperor and one of his concubines. This paper addresses Japanese culture in the 11th century and contains pertinent information and facts relating to Buddhist and Confucian philosophy as well as Japan's expanding intellectual freedom, which is apparent in Shikibu's writing style.

From the Paper:

"In arguing for an essentially humanistic and even existential perspective on the nature of a moral life, Lady Murasaki was arguing against what much of Confucianism taught. The philosophy of Confucianism, imported from China and highly influential in terms of Japanese culture and social structure of the Heian period. Confucius was a minor aristocrat and official who served in the Chinese state of Lu, which is located in what is now Shandong Province. He spent most of his life - from the fifth century to the early fourth century before the Christian era - serving as an advisor to the rulers of various neighboring states and as a scholar and teacher."

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