Symbolism, Setting, and Objects from The Pillow Book of Sei Sh¯onagon, Translated [from the Japanese] and Edited by Ivan Morris

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Gruel-stick - Women often carried this item during a festival; they used them to playfully hit other people during the festival.

Palm-leaf Carriage - The writer believed this mode of transportation should be carried slowly to emphasize its dignity.

Wickerwork Carriage - The writer thought this mode of transportation should move quickly because she became bored if she had to watch one for too long.

Paper Fans - These disposable items were used in many ways. Sometimes poems or messages were written on them.

Plum Blossoms - These flowers were used to decorate...
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