The Tale of Genji Overview & Chapter Abstracts for Teachers

Chapter Abstracts

Chapter abstracts are short descriptions of events that occur in each chapter. They highlight major plot events and detail the important relationships and characteristics of characters and objects. The Chapter Abstracts can be used to review what the students have read, or to prepare the students for what they will read. Hand the abstracts out in class as a study guide, or use them as a "key" for a class discussion. They are relatively brief, but can serve to be an excellent refresher of the text for either a student or teacher.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 Abstract

* The story takes place in Japan, and an Emperor is in love with a beautiful woman who is not completely of royal birth.
* The Emperor favors this woman and marries her. She gives birth to a son, Genji. The Emperor favors Genji over his...
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