The Tale of Genji: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Tale of Genji" is a seminal work of Japanese literature, often regarded as the world's first novel. It revolves around the life and romantic escapades of Prince Genji, the charming son of the emperor. The narrative delves into the complexities of his relationships with various significant characters, including his mother, Kiritsubo, whose tragic death deeply impacts Genji's life, and his stern stepmother, Lady Kokiden. Key figures in Genji's romantic life include Princess Aoi, his young wife who suffers from his infidelities and ultimately dies in childbirth, and Fujitsubo, the emperor's concubine, who bears Genji's child in secret.
Other important characters include Utsusemi, who recognizes the futility of her affair with Genji and chooses to end it, and Ygao, a noblewoman whose tragic death occurs during their secret romance. Murasaki, another pivotal figure, is a young orphan whom Genji raises and later marries after the death of Princess Aoi. The relationships in the story are marked by themes of love, loss, and the intertwining of personal and societal expectations, reflecting the intricate dynamics of Heian-era court life. This exploration of characters offers a rich lens through which to understand the era's cultural values and emotional complexities.
The Tale of Genji: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Murasaki Shikibu
First published: Genji monogatari, c. 1004 (English translation, 1925–1933; unexpurgated and annotated translation, 2001)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Japan
Plot: Romance
Time: Early medieval period
Prince Genji, the handsome and popular son of the emperor of Japan. This courtly romance of medieval Japan is primarily concerned with Genji's amours.
The emperor of Japan, Genji's father.
Lady Kokiden, the emperor's consort.
Kiritsubo, Genji's mother and the emperor's concubine. Largely as a result of Lady Kokiden's antagonism to her, Kiritsubo dies during Genji's childhood.
Princess Aoi, who is married at the age of sixteen to twelve-year-old Genji. She is unhappy at first as a result of her husband's youth, and later because of his many amours. He does come to appreciate and love her, but her affliction results in her death in childbirth.
Fujitsubo, the emperor's concubine and one of Genji's first paramours. She has a child by Genji, but fortunately for him the resemblance in looks is attributed to fraternity rather than to paternity. After Lady Kokiden's death, Fujitsubo is made official consort.
Utsusemi, a pretty young matron and another of Genji's paramours. Realizing that the affair cannot last, she ends it. While pursuing her again, Genji becomes distracted by another young woman.
Ki no Kami, a young courtier, at whose home Genji meets Utsusemi.
Ygao, a young noblewoman in love with Genji. They live together in secret within the palace grounds for a time, until Ygao dies tragically and strangely. Genji's friends act to avert a scandal.
Murasaki, a young orphan girl of good family. Genji secretly rears her and, a year after Princess Aoi's death, when Murasaki is of marriageable age, he makes her his wife.