The Tale of Genji

3.

The first thing I noticed about gender relations in The Tale of Genji was that both men and women respect each other in terms of sexual relationships. There is neither physical violence or enforcement against women, nor any form of insistence on purity or virginity. If a man wants to initiate a relationship with a woman that he is interested in, he will try his best in drawing attention from her by writing poems. In turn, if the woman is not interested in the man trying to attract her, she will simply resist to him, which demonstrates a woman’s level of freedom in choosing a sexual partner.

Regarding the ownership of property in the Heian period, women could own, inherit, and pass on their property independently from men’s'. The inheritance came from the mother’s side as opposed to the current Japanese practice, where the inheritance comes from the father’s side. Furthermore, it is very obvious in this story that males were dominant over females. The entire government hierarchy was mostly male-centered and men were usually in position to deal with serious subjects such as moral philosophy and important governmental tasks. Females on the other hand, had limited life styles with their movements and social engagements.

4.

In the Heian period of Japan, the practice of polygamy was allowed for men. Men could have multiple wives, while women could have only one spouse. The existence of another wife for both men and women was not a serious problem; rather, they were open to new sexual relationships by consent. Though, women had control over the consent of sexual affairs. If a woman is not pleased with a man trying to get attention from her, she could refuse a relatinship with the man. However, the man was also free to seek for another woman if he is not successful with a woman. This practice was not even considered illicit or disgraceful in this period.  Moreover, Women were spatially constrained and limited to experience of social engagement, whereas men were free of movement. This difference may have allowed the society of Heian for such freedom of sexual affairs between men and women.

In addition, virginity or purity of women was not as serious as it is now in the modern Japanese society, with regards to marriage. Marriage was  a way for men to have a greater influence on their political power in court. The more women from powerful background the stronger men’s power would be.

1.

Genji, the son of the emperor, is described as young, charming and handsome by both men and women. However, he is not necessalily a paragon of morality for his position in court. Genji is not afraid of an accusation that he is deceiving his best friend To no Chujo by having a love affair with Yugao, To no CHujo’s mistress, rather; he tries to pursue his obsessive love with Yugao.

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