《源氏物语》中《末摘花》之章与平安时期的宫廷生活（上篇）(10)

Morris also has another work that helps illustrate the Heian ideal. He introduces the idea that sensitivity to the subtle aspects of society and nature was a quality attributed to the people that are good. This was one of the basic underlying features of the society. He states that “without such sensitivity it was impossible to understand the ‘emotional quality of things,’ which was regarded as the basics of aesthetic, and even of moral, awareness” (Morris, “The World of Genji”). Without this understanding, which comes from exposure to the court, it would have been impossible to survive in the Heian culture. Further he mentions how The Tales of Genji takes place within the capital city and the near surrounding areas. This is not a coincidence; the capital, due to how it was portrayed in The Tales of Genji, is the center of Heian society (Morris, “The World of Genji”). Murasaki does not give the best light to those born in the outer provinces for they were seen as being less civilized, even if they were of noble birth. The bulk of civilized culture belonged to the capital. Murasaki demonstrates this by having most of the novel take place there; when it takes place at Suma, this is seen as a bad because it is Genji’s exile; it is a punishment because of how removed it is from the height of society. Therefore, although the safflower princess lives close to the city, her shyness keeps her isolated from the inner court workings, which is reflected poorly in her character and mannerisms.