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This section contains 2,624 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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The Tale of Genji Summary & Study Guide Description
The Tale of Genji Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to help you understand the book. This study guide contains the following sections:
This detailed literature summary also contains Further Reading and a Free Quiz on The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu.
The Tale of Genji Plot Summary
Preview of The Tale of Genji Summary:
Chapters 1-41
The Emperor and Kiritsubo give birth to the he novel's hero, Genji, in 11th century Japan. Kiritsubo, the Emperor's true love, is of the lower ranks of court. The slander and petty jealousy of the other palace wives contribute to the mental anguish which results in her early death, when Genji is but three years old.
Genji from the start impresses everybody with his unparalleled beauty. He is exceptional in every way. He is raised in the court. Despite his father's unflinching devotion, indeed because of it, the boy receives the name Genji, which classifies him as a commoner. The Emperor knows that without influ-ential maternal relatives, Genji's position as a crown prince (or a son picked to become future Emperor) would be tentative, especially after his own death. Since the Kokiden faction will most certainly cause his son problems, it seems more practical to secure for him a...
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This section contains 2,624 words (approx. 9 pages at 300 words per page) |
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