The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki Shikibu

 

Group 1: Ch. 2 “The Broom Tree,” pp. 2183-2204

Group 2: Ch. 4 “Evening Faces,” pp. 2204-2224

Group 3: Ch. 12 “Suma,” pp. 2224-2243

Group 4: Ch. 13 “Akashi,” pp. 2243-2261

Group 5: Ch, 25 “Fireflies,” pp. 2261-70

 

tale of genji illustration

 

 

1. Who are the characters in the chapter?  What are their positions in society?  How do their societal positions affect the action in the chapter?

 

 

 

 

2. Briefly summarize the action of the chapter.  Why is the title appropriate for the chapter?

 

 

 

 

3. What does the chapter reveal about the character of Genji?

 

 

 

 

4. What does the chapter reveal about the relationships between men and women in Heian Japan?

 

 

 

 

5. Describe the tone of the chapter.  How is the tone conveyed in the chapter – what devices does Murasaki use to create the tone?