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Japanese Culture
Murasaki Shikibu
Murasaki Shikibu is one of the greatest Japanese writers, and a court figure at the height of the Heian period (795–1185). Her novel, Genji Monogatari (The Tale of Genji) is considered to be one of the world's finest and earliest novels. Her real name is unknown, and it is thought she was called Murasaki after the heroine in her novel.
The Tale of Genji concerns the life of Prince Genji and his descendants. He is a complex personality and a peerless lover. The novel portrays the women in his elegant court life. These women are individually described, with their talents in the arts of music, drawing, calligraphy, poetry, and love for the beauties of nature. The novel also includes rich poetry, imagery, and imaginative wordplay. The tone of the novel darkens near the end, which indicates the Buddhist conviction of the vanity of the world.
Murasaki's other works include Murasaki Shikibu Nikki (The Diary of Murasaki Shikibu) and Murasaki Shikibu Shu, a collection of 128 poems.
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