The Heian Period: A Literary Analysis

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Heian Japan is remembered as a time that allowed aristocratic individuals time for personal reflection in their art work Mainly, in this time, it was through the use of poetry (Crash Course: Heian Japan, 2015). Poetry and other forms of writing have been a safe place for individuals in the high court as it let out a place of aggression that one could not openly show (Bargen, 5). Writings of spirit possession in the Heian period seems out of character for the culture that is described as amiable and rather passive However, spirit possession is now seen as metaphor that embodies the women in the Heian period as a demonstration against polygyny in Heian Japan (Bargen, 8). This is best understood in the work of “The Tale of Genji” by Shikibu Murasaki, …show more content…

While Murasaki’s father is of good standing, her mother was not in the eyes of the court. Because of this, she lacked the credentials to be Genji’s main wife, much like Yugao, even though he wanted her to be Even though Murasaki was Genji’s favorite, and believed that she was the absolute light he wanted in his life, he could not stay faithful to her. For example, Genji’s time with Oborozukiyo surely affected Murasaki negatively even though she did not let it seep out of her onto others Murasaki is internal, and her desire to be a nun is a consequent to that (Bargen, 105). However, she is not silent in her protest to Genji’s actions. Her reaction of passive aggression is new to Genji, as he is more familiar of the women in his life to go against each other instead of going after the main source of darkness, “Murasaki astonishes him further with an unexpected combination of understated sarcasm and clinical description” (Bargen, 115). This confession of Murasaki was written as, “A suggestion of a smile came to her lips 'Such a marvel of rejuvenation' But her voice trembled as she went on: 'An ancient affair is superimposed on a new one, and I am caught beneath” (Tale of Genji, …show more content…

All in all, literature within Heian Japan allows readers to see into a time where women had to be passive when it comes to hardships of relationships The women whom where silence by the polygamous realities within this period inspired Shikibu Murasaki to incorporation spirit possession in her novel, “The Tale of Genji”Where these possessions are a tool of protest against the darkness of the male dominance and manipulation This was explored with characters Yuago, Aoi Murasaki No Ue whom fell to spirit possession as a result of Genji’s

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