The Tale of Genji Study Guide consists of approx. 171 pages of summaries and analysis on The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. Browse the literature study guide below:
At an indeterminate time in Japan's history, an unnamed emperor is in love with a lady of lesser rank much to the chagrin of the grand ladies at court. Although this unnamed lady is very beautiful and is a member of the upper classes, she is not fully highborn and is something of a dirty little secret for the emperor. However, the secret is not well-kept, and everyone at court knows that this lady is the emperor's favorite. This frustrates the other royal wives, who are of higher social station, so they routinely speak against this upstart woman who holds the emperor's affections. (
read more)
Read the rest of this Literature Guide with our The Tale of Genji Access Pass.
