The Tale of Genji

In the “The Broom Tree,” the main characters Genji, Tō no Chūjō and two acquaintances find themselves in a friendly debate regarding the various vices and virtue of women of the court. The story has only begun, but the narrator is already introducing the concept of an ideal woman and as the story progresses, an image of the ideal man emerges as well.

The chapter opens with Genji and his friend in his room on a rainy day, and spotting some love letters lying around, Tō no Chūjō broaches the topic by declaring “I have finally realized how rarely you will find a flawless woman, one who is simply perfect” (20). Genji's rejoinders with “But do you suppose any girl could have nothing to recommend her?” (21).

With such parameters set the discussion between these young men swings in different directions. Tō no Chūjō declares that “middle-born” offer the most merits, but Genji points out that distinguishing between such levels is arbitrary (21). The Chief Equerry posits that girls proud and beautiful from disreputable households have the most appeal, since by their very contrast they pique the interest. Genji silently rejects this idea, pointing out that unusually pretty girls are difficult enough to find among the highest class, let alone the lower ones. The Chief Equerry continues with his description of the best woman (25):

In the end, I suppose, [...] one should settle on someone wholly dependable, quiet, and steady, as long as there is nothing especially wrong with her, and never mind rank or looks.

Such a woman should be trusting and steady, and she should learn to accept her husband's interactions with other women as a matter of course, thankful that their marriage rests on his first feelings for her. Tō no Chūjō agrees, b...

... middle of paper ...

...to me!” (116).

Genji's boldness is also a source of endless distress for Fujitsubo, who despite her love for him finds his persistence troublesome. After watching him dance, she thinks that “she would have like his dance still better if he were not so importunate in his desires” (129). Genji's indefatigable pursuit of his first love shows reemerges throughout the novel, despite all discouragement from the pursued herself. In a sense, Fujitsubo resistance makes her all the more desirable to the hero, while his continual gestures of desire for her renew their connection. In this way, the ideal woman and the ideal man are linked yet removed from the beginning of the tale, creating an undercurrent of tension that adds to the depth of Genji Monogatari.

Works Cited

Shikibu, Murasaki. Tyler, Royall, ed. and trans. The Tale of Genji. Penguin Group, New York:

2001.