EALC 275: Masterpieces of East Asian Literature Lecture #12: The Tale of Genji 3 Oct.2, 2013Motifs of Exile in the Tale of Genji • The chapters “Suma” and “Akashi” recount Genji’s journey into exile. • The narrative reached a high point during the purification ceremony for the Kamo Virgin. • Genji’s exile represents a low point in his career and his relationships with the different ladies he has gathered.Genji’s exile to SumaNarrative Device #1: Gathering and Dispersal • Many longer narratives in East Asian literary traditions are structured by a narrative device of gathering and dispersal. • In the first three chapters, Genji rose in rank and favor and gathered different ladies into his household. • In the “Suma” chapter, Genji parts with each of them, one by one. • This is another example of the use of Yin-yang concept in East Asian literatureYin-Yang Concept in Daoism • Characteristics: • Perfect harmony, unity • Art of changes • Opposites exist within each other • Flourishing and decline in an endless cycleChapter 7: Suma, 1 • Four years after the death of Aoi, Genji is disgraced at court. • He prepares to depart for Suma on the ocean shore. • He considers taking Murasaki with him, but realizes that this may be a journey that he may not return from anytime soon: “…a mere separation of a day or two was enough to worry him and depress her, but this was not to be an absence of a predetermined number of years; rather, his departure might well mark their last farewell in an uncertain world, even though he would set out with meeting her again as his final objective.” (p.161)Genji’s farewell to MurasakiChapter 7: Suma, 2 • Genji’s numerous departure farewells: • -Fujitsubo Lady, now a Buddhist nun in retreat • -At Aoi’s house, Genji says farewell to his son • -At Aoi’s house, Genji also parts with the minister-of-the-left (Aoi’s father), he is shocked by the way public opinion at court has turned against Genji: “I ought not to have to worry about public opinion anymore, but people are merciless nowadays; it’s frightful. And when I see what’s happening to you, it seems that this must be an era of degeneracy…when I see you in circumstances I could never have imagined, not if the world had turned upside down.” (p.162)Narrative Device #2: Lyrical Narrative • Narrative stresses the momentum of events in a sequence building to a climax. • Poetry stresses single frozen moments of time and intense emotional expression. • The “Suma” chapter is interspersed with many poetic exchanges between Genji and his ladies. • The narrative action slows down and readers are made to feel the intensity of Genji’s sorrow and the ephemeral nature of things.Chapter 7: Suma, 3 • Poetry exchange between Genji and Murasaki on a mirror: Poetry as promise/oath (p.165): • Although my body, • May wander off like this, • My reflection • Will never leave the mirror • That remains by your side.Chapter 7: Suma, 4 • Poetry exchange between Genji and Murasaki on a mirror: Poetry as promise/oath (p.165): • Were your reflection, • Something that might stay behind, • After you had gone, • Then it would be comforting • To look into this mirror. -A three year test for GenjiChapter 7: Suma, 5 • Genji also visits the grave of the deceased emperor, his father: Aware-no-mono, the ephemerality of all things (p.168): • I drained the dregs of grief • In parting with my father, • But now I discover • In this present existence • A source of greater sorrow -Simplicity of Genji’s departure compared to the splendor of the Kamo purification ceremonyGenji visits his father’s graveChapter 7: Suma, 6 • Genji finally arrives in his place of exile in Suma: • Images and ideas associated with exile: 1- Genji gazes at flocks of geese (p.179): Geese travel in flocks, Geese returning home 2- Genji gazes at the moon (p.180): The moon follows us wherever we go Parted lovers, though separated, share the same moon 3- Genji performs on the koto (p.181): Seeking out one who “understands the tune”Motifs of Exile: Geese flying homeMotifs of Exile: Seeking “One who understands the Tune”Chapter 7: Suma, 7 • Genji carefully maintains a much simpler life-style in exile: Pure white silk garments/vegetarian fare/simple gifts • Spite and vindictiveness of the Kokiden Lady (p.182): “They tell me a man under imperial censure is supposed to have a hard time finding enough to eat, but this fellow sits around in stylish house criticizing everybody. His toadies remind me of the sycophants who called a deer a horse.” • Genji’s correspondents stopped writing/social death.Chapter 7: Suma, 8 • Genji’s protestations of innocence/Genji’s hubris: • The manifold host • Of gods heavenly and earthly • Must surely pity me, • For I have been guilty • Of no offense whatsoever. • A fearsome storm as “heavenly warning” (p.188): “The purification ritual gave way to an agitated stir. A terrific downpour began, throwing his attendants into such confusion that they failed even to hoist the folding umbrella for his return home…terrifying breakers made the party run for their lives.”Chapter 8: Akashi, 1 • After the storm has passed, Genji dreams of his father: “This is nothing but a small karmic retribution. I was guilty of no misgovernment during my reign, but I committed some sins without realizing it, and I have been to busy expiating them to concern myself with this world. Still, I couldn’t bear to witness your misery, so I plunged into the sea and emerged on this shore.” (p.193) • A visitor arrives and Genji decides to depart by boat to Akashi: In the visitor’s dream, a man told him: “ ‘I’ll give you a clear sign on the thirteenth. Fit out a boat, and be sure to head for Suma as soon as the wind and rain die down,’ he said. Just to see what would happen, I did equip a boat, and then there was this terrifying rain and wind and thunder…It’s an unmistakable case of divine guidance.” (pp.193-194)Heavenly guidance? Genji departs for Akashi by boatNarrative Device #3 • We see another example of the use of dreams in Tale of Genji • How do these dreams function as literary devices? 1. Simultaneity --blurred boundary between dream and reality 2. Psychological realism --repressed feelings find an outlet 3. Prophecy --auspicious signs