Kiritsubo

For most of the first chapter, Genji is a child. He is the love child of the Emperor and Kiritsubo and the most beautiful child anyone has ever seen. His stunning good looks eventually earn him the nickname, the Shining Lord. Because his mother died when he was still a toddler, Genji grew up not knowing what she looked like, but he knew how remarkable a woman she must have been because of how much the Emperor missed her. It was because of the Emperor’s love for Genji’s mother that he clung to Genji so tightly. The Emperor spent as much time with Genji and raised him himself as much as his position would allow.

For years, the Emperor missed Kiritsubo terribly. After trying to find a replacement for her, but to no avail, with a heavy heart, he concluded that he would not find anyone like her. Then he received word from his Dame of Staff that a former Emperor had a daughter, known for her beauty and brought up by her mother. She had a striking resemblance to Kiritsub

This “discussion” sees a transition in Genji’s character. The young, sweet, and innocent Genji becomes a playboy of sorts, even before the end of the chapter. The “discussion” is the direct grounds for the next few chapters, which follow Genji’s pursuit of women while he tries to perfect his seductive style. Because of Genji’s high rank, he leaves the discussion thinking that almost any woman will succumb to him.

His first attempt at a love affair after the “discussion” is with Utsusemi. Because of a directional taboo he finds himself at the crowded house of the Governor of Kii, whereabouts he comes upon Utsusemi. Much to Genji’s dismay, however, because she does not want to jeopardize her marriage to The Iyo Deputy, she turns Genji down. This shocks Genji. For a while, Genji tries to win over Utsusemi but eventually realizes his defeat. While Genji was somewhat dazed by Utsusemi’s rejection, he learned from his mistake and the experience is integrated into his developing sense of seduction.

His failed attempt at finding love with Utsusemi was not his first, nor will it be his last. Genji’s road to love is a bumpy one in this novel. As he looks to find his true love, he co

Some topics in this essay:
Aide Ceremonial, Genji Genji, Shining Lord, Princess Omiya, Murasaki Shikibu, Kiritsubo Genji, To-no-Chujo Genji, Kiritsubo Emperor, Emperor Kiritsubo, Dame Staff, true love, chapter genji, perfect woman, emperor missed,