Harriet Ann Jacobs and Genji

Paper Summary:

In comparing Harriet Ann Jacobs in "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl", and Genji in "The Tale of Genji" (Murasaki Shikibu), the paper shows the two could not have led more different lives when looked at on the surface, but when they are examined more closely there are similarities. The paper describes how Jacobs grew up as a slave girl and Genji in a royal court and their lives were different on a day to day basi, but both characters shared two important similarities - the love of family and friends and the the tragic loss of their mothers at a young and vulnerable age.

From the Paper:

"As for Genji, growing up in the Emperor's royal court in Japan, he was also much loved by family and friends. He did not have the hardships that Jacobs had with her bondage to the white man, but Genji did have his own problems. He had many interests in different women, but was rejected. Through it all he kept a light heart and did not fall into despair, much like Jacobs did not despair over her troubles, either. Genji has his mother to show him what love of family was all about, but when she died, he was fortunate to have his father there to continue her tradition. Many would think that the Emperor would be a gruff man who was busy with business affairs and didn't have time for his children, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. He loved Genji very much, and he spent enough time with him for that to be truly realized in Genji's heart instead of just being some vague notion inside his head."

More papers on Harriet Ann Jacobs and Genji:

• Comparison Essay # 95679 : "Jacobs and Douglass"
• Comparison Essay # 44857 : "Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass"
• Essay # 38409 : "Douglass, Jacobs and Christian Ideas"

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