《源氏物语》中《末摘花》之章与平安时期的宫廷生活（上篇）(7)
There are several scholars that discuss The Tales of Genji and its relations to the reality of Heian court life. J.M. Maki writes an article detailing many cultural aspects of The Tales of Genji. He discusses characters like Genji and Murasaki as being the pinnacle examples of Heian society and ideals. Genji, for example, is a poet, painter, dancer, and scholar, among other titles (Maki, “Lady Murasaki”). Since Genji is described in a positive way, it is implied that having these proficiencies is highly valued in the culture. Maki also adds how another character, Lady Omi, contrasts these Heian ideals; in a similar light I will be using the safflower princess as a contrast to Heian culture to help identify the aspects of the culture and how the safflower princess fails to folow these.
Maki’s article helps detail some of the cultural aspects shown in The Tales of Genji as well as their literary significance to character development. One major aspect he outlines is music. As Maki explains, “music also plays a tremendously important part in the story-both as music in itself and as a means by which the characters either express themselves or reveal something of their personalities in playing their instruments” (Maki, “Lady Murasaki”). Murasaki includes details of the musical instruments played to show how well received an individual character would be; a pleasant-sounding song and talent for the instrument were seen not only as positive and desirable, but as factors that contribute to the individual’s overall impression and respectability in the aristocratic society. Murasaki’s vivid description and vast knowledge on the intricacies of music and instruments reveals just how important these aspects and attention to detail were in Heian society (Maki, “Lady Murasaki”). Although Maki uses this to show how important musical descriptions are to identify character traits, I further argue that the Heian aristocracy would judge the characters of their own society in a similar fashion. Those who could not play an instrument well, for example, were most likely looked down upon unless they had other remarkable or redeeming qualities. This is especially likely since the meetings between people, especially men and women, were often done indirectly; therefore, relying on subtle details like scent or musical skill would help determine how refined and respectable the individual was.
Maki’s article helps detail some of the cultural aspects shown in The Tales of Genji as well as their literary significance to character development. One major aspect he outlines is music. As Maki explains, “music also plays a tremendously important part in the story-both as music in itself and as a means by which the characters either express themselves or reveal something of their personalities in playing their instruments” (Maki, “Lady Murasaki”). Murasaki includes details of the musical instruments played to show how well received an individual character would be; a pleasant-sounding song and talent for the instrument were seen not only as positive and desirable, but as factors that contribute to the individual’s overall impression and respectability in the aristocratic society. Murasaki’s vivid description and vast knowledge on the intricacies of music and instruments reveals just how important these aspects and attention to detail were in Heian society (Maki, “Lady Murasaki”). Although Maki uses this to show how important musical descriptions are to identify character traits, I further argue that the Heian aristocracy would judge the characters of their own society in a similar fashion. Those who could not play an instrument well, for example, were most likely looked down upon unless they had other remarkable or redeeming qualities. This is especially likely since the meetings between people, especially men and women, were often done indirectly; therefore, relying on subtle details like scent or musical skill would help determine how refined and respectable the individual was.
舰长与琪亚娜的婚后生活