BROWSE

two

PROGRAMS / READING GROUPS / The Tale of Genji

In this reading group we will read the world’s first novel. Murasaki Shikibu wrote The Tale of Genji during the early 11th century.

In it, the cloistered, sophisticated world of the Japanese aristocracy, living in the city now known as Kyoto, became a fictional account of the life of its eponymous hero and his legal (but not biological) son.

OVERVIEW

We will explore the intricate court politics that shape Genji’s rise and fall; the ways in which the sexual politics of the story are shaped by the gender norms and social structure of the time; and the importance of taste – how the characters use poetry and calligraphy, incense and fabric to mark the passing of the seasons and to reveal their own thoughts and feelings. Throughout the year, we will ask how different Genji’s world is from our own. We will also discuss what Genji reveals about the literary complexity and the psychological depth of the novel as a form.

A NOTE ON THE TEXTS

There have been four translations of The Tale of Genji into English in the last 100 years, and two in the 21st century. Royall Tyler’s translation is admired for its fidelity to the style of the original Japanese, Dennis Washburn’s one for its readability. Both have their supporters. See here for a brief introduction to the translations, with comparisons of some passages from the novel. Please pick the one that most appeals to you. Reading (collectively) more than one translation will provide us with an opportunity to talk about the joys and frustrations of the translator’s craft.

We will complement Genji with Sei Shōnagon, The Pillow Book, trans. Meredith McKinney, a collection of often waspish observations and reflections on court life from the same period (Penguin, 2007, ISBN 9780140448061). Additional optional readings will be suggested before and during the year to fill out the picture of the books and their historical context.

MEETING AND READING SCHEDULE

This group will meet on the 1st Wednesday on the month in the Bound at the Athenæum, 5:30-7pm.

Numbers in the reading schedule below refer to chapters (Genji) and section numbers (Pillow Book, trans. McKinney), not to pages.

Wed, September 3
Genji, 1–6
Pillow Book, 1–25

Wed, October 1
Genji, 7–12
Pillow Book, 26–64

Wed, November 5
Genji, 13–21
Pillow Book, 65–87

Wed, December 3
Genji, 22–31
Pillow Book, 88–103

Wed, January 7
Genji, 32–35
Pillow Book, 104–136

Wed, February 4
Genji, 36–41
Pillow Book, 137–176

Wed, March 4
Genji, 42–47
Pillow Book, 177–230

Wed, April 1
Genji, 48–51
Pillow Book, 231–259

Wed, May 6
Genji, 52–54
Pillow Book, 260–S29

GROUP FACILITATOR

Angus Lockyer is a writer and teacher. He was born in Singapore and educated in southern England and on the West Coast. He has taught Japanese history and other things at universities in California, North Carolina, and London, and has worked on various projects for the British Museum. He currently teaches classes on the history and theory of art and design at RISD. He believes that the past is a foreign country, but never too far away.

This group has reached capacity. To be added to a waitlist, please email readinggroups@provath.org with GENJI as the subject line.

The Athenæum is deeply grateful to our wonderful volunteer leaders. Please note library reading groups are not classes or courses, but rather a way for individuals to discuss readings together, guided by both expert and amateur enthusiasts. Participants should expect discussion-based, not lecture-style meetings.