The Tale Of Genji

“Not that tales accurately describe any particular person; rather, the telling begins [with] all those things the teller longs to have pass on to future generations…it is wrong always to dismiss what one finds in tales as false […]”

This excerpt from Chapter 25 is included in this abridged version as part of the edition’s Prologue. The quote is from a conversation between Genji and Tamakazura (Yugao’s daughter), as she is copying a story, to highlight Shikibu’s point that fiction can indeed convey truths.

“Genji’s looks had an indescribably fresh sweetness, one beyond even Fujitsubo’s celebrated and, to the Emperor, peerless beauty, and this moved people to call him the Shining Lord. Since Fujitsubo made a pair with him, and His Majesty loved them both, they called her the Sunlight Princess.”

This is one of several times throughout the book the narrator accentuates Genji’s ineffable attractiveness and charm that will help him rise beyond his non-royal status. Such characteristics will allow most who meet him throughout his life to be in awe of his grace and also easily forgive him, as well as socially propel him beyond his identity as son to a low-ranking Intimate (Lady Kiritsubo, his mother). Here, his Emperor father’s wife, Fujitsubo, is also noted as his equal in looks and charm. This mention foreshadows one reason why Genji will pursue her later as a romantic partner, even though she is married to his father, the Emperor.

“At any rate, the best remedy when something comes between a couple is patience.”

To no Chujo makes this declaration during a rainy night conversation with Genji and several other men, discussing the ideal characteristics of a good wife while the men exchange stories of their past love affairs.