|
| 18112. THE TALE OF GENJI (MURASAKI SHIKIBU). This paper discusses chapter 25 of this eleventh century Japanese novel, in which the title character debates with two ladies on the value of fictional tales. Genji's view is that fiction is frivolous, untruthful, and suitable only for women. He says some positive things too (e.g., fiction leads to insights about the particulars of life and a deeper understanding of universal truth), but these statements are made as part of his effort to seduce one of the ladies. It is concluded that Genji is a complex character and the author (Murasaki Shikibu) has used irony by expressing her personal view of fiction through a character who has an opposing point of view. KEYWORDS: Japanese literature Genji Murasaki Shikibu. Written 2006. MLA Style. 6 pages, 15 footnotes, 1 bibliographic source. 1,402 words. |
|
$42
|
|
 |