The Tale of Genji facts for kids
The Tale of Genji (源氏物語, Genji Monogatari) is a classic work of Japanese literature.
It is believed to have been written by the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu at the beginning of the 11th century, around the highest point of the Heian Period. The form of the language used at that time is called Late Old Japanese. The Tale of Genji is sometimes called the world's first novel, the first modern novel, or the first novel to still be considered a classic, but many readers do not agree on this.
Japanese cultural scholar Motoori Norinaga first used the term Mono no aware in his review of the book. This term in now important in understanding Japanese literature.
The first translation of part of Genji Monogatari into English was by Suematsu Kencho. It was notably translated by Japanese nun Jakucho Setouchi in 1998. Arthur Waley made a free translation of the work, except for one chapter. Edward Seidensticker made the first complete translation into English, using a more literal way than Waley. The most recent English translation, by Royall Tyler (2002), also tries to respect the original text.
Images for kids
-
Murasaki Shikibu, illustration by Tosa Mitsuoki who did a series on The Tale of Genji (17th century)
-
Ch. 15 – 蓬生 Yomogiu ("Waste of Weeds"). Scene from the 12th-century illustrated handscroll Genji Monogatari Emaki kept at the Tokugawa Art Museum.
-
Ch. 37 – 横笛 Yokobue ("Flute"). Tokugawa Art Museum’s Genji Monogatari Emaki.
-
Ch. 48 – 早蕨 Sawarabi ("Bracken Shoots"). Tokugawa Art Museum’s handscroll Genji Monogatari Emaki.
-
Ch. 5 – 若紫 Wakamurasaki ("Young Murasaki"). Tosa Mitsuoki, 1617–91.
-
Ch. 42 – 匂宮 Niō no Miya ("The Perfumed Prince"). Tosa Mitsuoki.
-
Pages from the illustrated handscroll from the 12th century
-
2000 yen note with The Tale of Genji and Murasaki Shikibu on the right corner
See also
In Spanish: Genji Monogatari para niños
