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Murasaki Shikibu
59quotes
Murasaki Shikibu: The Illustrious Author of _The Tale of Genji_
Full Name and Common Aliases
Murasaki Shikibu is the pen name of Furukoto no Nakataneko (also known as Nakatane no Chikako), a renowned Japanese novelist, poet, and lady-in-waiting to Empress Akiko of the Heian court.
Birth and Death Dates
Murasaki Shikibu was born around 973 CE in Kyoto, Japan. Her birth year is not certain, but historians estimate it based on her writings and historical records. The exact date of her death remains unknown, although it's believed to be sometime after 1015 CE.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese author and poet, renowned for her literary works in the Japanese courtly tradition. Her profession as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Akiko granted her access to a wealth of knowledge about the imperial family's inner workings, which she skillfully wove into her stories.
Early Life and Background
Murasaki Shikibu was born into a noble family and received an excellent education in literature, music, and poetry. Her father, Prince Tachibana no Michinaga, held high-ranking positions within the imperial court, providing Murasaki with opportunities to develop her writing skills and network with influential individuals.
Growing up amidst the cultural and intellectual ferment of the Heian period, Murasaki Shikibu absorbed the literary traditions of Japan. Her family's connections enabled her to attend court gatherings, where she would observe and participate in conversations about literature, poetry, and politics.
Major Accomplishments
Murasaki Shikibu is celebrated as a pioneering female author in Japanese literature, making significant contributions to the development of prose fiction. Her masterpiece, _The Tale of Genji_, is considered one of the greatest works of Japanese literature and has had a profound impact on the country's literary heritage.
Notable Works or Actions
Murasaki Shikibu wrote several notable works, including:
_The Tale of Genji_: Regarded as her magnum opus, this epic novel is an unparalleled exploration of love, desire, and social status in medieval Japan. The story revolves around Prince Genji's life, loves, and tragic fate.
_Tales of the 63 Attractive Women_ : A collection of stories about women who embody different virtues and beauty standards.
Impact and Legacy
Murasaki Shikibu's influence on Japanese literature is immeasurable. Her writing style, blending elements of poetry, drama, and historical records, has inspired generations of authors. The themes she explored in her works – love, loyalty, and social hierarchy – continue to resonate with readers today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Murasaki Shikibu's legacy extends far beyond the literary world. Her stories have captured the imagination of artists, writers, and thinkers across cultures and centuries. The timeless themes, vivid characters, and masterful storytelling in her works ensure that she remains a celebrated figure in Japanese literature.
As a pioneer in her field, Murasaki Shikibu paved the way for future generations of women writers in Japan. Her dedication to exploring the human condition through her writing has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Quotes by Murasaki Shikibu
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Even those people who have no sorrow of their own often feel melancholy from the circumstances in which they are placed.
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A woman who has nothing to recommend her is as rare as one who is perfect in every way.
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It is very easy to criticize others but far more difficult to put one’s own principles into practice, and it is when one forgets this truth, lauds oneself to the skies, treats everyone else as worthless, and generally despises others, that one’s own character is clearly revealed.
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And among the leaves were white flowers with petals half-unfolded like the lips of people smiling at their own thoughts.
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She was gentle and sedate as usual, but evidently absent and preoccupied. Her eyes rested on the dew lying on the grass in the garden, and her ears were intent upon the melancholy singing of the autumn insects. It was as if we were in a real romance.
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There is a time for everything; and all people, but more especially women, should be constantly careful to watch circumstances, and not to air their accomplishments at a time when nobody cares for them. They should practise a sparing economy in displaying their learning and eloquence, and should even, if circumstances require, plead ignorance on subjects with which they are familiar.
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My dwelling is but a rustic cottage, but still I should like you to see, at least, the pretty mountain streamlet which waters my garden.
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When in my present lonely lot, I feel my past has not been free From sins which I remember not, I dread more, what to come, may be.
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It is very unkind of you to feel this way. Any woman should properly yield, it seems to me, even a complete stranger, because that is the way of the world... All I desire is solace from the flood of memories that overwhelms me.
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