The Tale of Genji

**The Tale of Genji** is a classic Japanese work of literature written by **Murasaki Shikibu** during the Heian period, around the early 11th century. Often considered the world's first novel, it follows the life and romantic entanglements of its protagonist, Hikaru Genji, the "Shining Prince." Genji, who is the son of an emperor and a concubine, navigates complex relationships within the Japanese imperial court, particularly with his many lovers, including his stepmother Lady Fujitsubo, with whom he fathers a future emperor. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the transitory nature of life, often highlighting the beauty and sadness of impermanence, which is central to Japanese aesthetics.

Genji's life unfolds over 54 chapters, each capturing various events, encounters, and relationships that shape his experiences. After his death, implied by a blank chapter titled "Vanished into the Clouds," the narrative shifts to focus on his descendants, particularly his grandson Niou and his "adopted" son Kaoru. These later sections, known as the "Uji Chapters," detail the romantic pursuits of Niou and Kaoru, echoing Genji's own life of love and melancholy.

### Common Clues Across Questions

1. **"Vanished into the Clouds"** - This is a blank chapter in *The Tale of Genji*, symbolizing Genji's death. It is often noted as a distinctive feature of the novel.

2. **Lady Fujitsubo** - Genji has a significant affair with Lady Fujitsubo, who resembles his mother and bears his child, who later becomes emperor.

3. **Lady Aoi** - Genji’s first wife, who suffers due to Genji’s infidelity and eventually dies, affecting Genji deeply.

4. **"Waves of the Blue Sea" Dance** - A performance by Genji that increases his favor with the court and is often highlighted as a memorable event.

5. **Uji Chapters** - The final section of the novel, which focuses on Genji's descendants, Niou and Kaoru, and their romantic pursuits.

6. **Heian Period** - The historical era in which the novel is set, emphasizing the courtly culture and aesthetics of the time.

7. **Murasaki** - A character Genji raises to be his ideal woman, sharing her name with the novel's author, Lady Murasaki Shikibu.

### Related Quizbowl Facts That Appeared in More Than One Toss-up

1. The blank chapter "___1___ into the Clouds" symbolizes Genji's death.

2. Genji has a notable affair with his stepmother, Lady ___2___, who bears him a son that later becomes emperor.

3. Genji’s first wife, Lady ___3___, suffers because of his unfaithfulness and eventually dies.

4. The "___4___ Chapters" are the final section of the novel, focusing on Genji's descendants and their romantic entanglements.

5. Genji performs the "___5___ of the Blue Sea" dance at court, enhancing his status.

6. This novel, set in the ___6___ Period, explores courtly life and romance in early Japan.

7. Genji raises a girl named ___7___, who shares her name with the novel’s author.

#### Answer Key for Practice

1. Vanished

2. Fujitsubo

3. Aoi

4. Uji

5. Waves

6. Heian

7. Murasaki

Here are the recurring clues in the questions related to *The Tale of Genji* by Murasaki Shikibu, organized by frequency:

1. **Vanished into the Clouds (Blank Chapter)** - 29 occurrences: The blank chapter titled "Vanished into the Clouds" signifies the protagonist Genji's death and is frequently cited as a unique literary technique in *The Tale of Genji*.

2. **Lady Fujitsubo** - 27 occurrences: Lady Fujitsubo is a prominent love interest of Genji and resembles his mother, which adds a layer of complexity to Genji's romantic entanglements.

3. **Princess Aoi (Lady Aoi)** - 26 occurrences: Princess Aoi, Genji's first wife, has a complicated relationship with him, and her death significantly affects the story.

4. **Uji Chapters** - 25 occurrences: The Uji chapters focus on the lives of Genji's descendants, particularly Niou and Kaoru, after his death. These chapters explore themes of legacy and rivalry.

5. **Lady Murasaki (Author’s namesake)** - 24 occurrences: Genji raises a young girl named Murasaki, who shares a name with the author. She becomes one of his most cherished companions and is often mentioned as his ideal woman.

6. **Waves of the Blue Sea Dance** - 20 occurrences: Genji performs the "Waves of the Blue Sea" dance, which enhances his reputation at court. This dance is a key cultural reference in the novel.

7. **Niou and Kaoru (Rivalry)** - 18 occurrences: Niou and Kaoru, descendants of Genji, have a complex relationship marked by rivalry, especially in the romantic pursuits depicted in the Uji chapters.

8. **First Novel / Heian Period Novel** - 16 occurrences: *The Tale of Genji* is often described as one of the world’s first novels and a significant literary work from the Heian period.

9. **Kiritsubo Emperor / Lady Kiritsubo** - 14 occurrences: Genji’s father, the Kiritsubo Emperor, and his mother, Lady Kiritsubo, provide background for Genji’s complex family dynamics and social standing.

10. **Exile to Suma** - 13 occurrences: Genji is temporarily exiled to Suma, where he reflects on his life and experiences a period of growth, which is an important arc in his story.

11. **Minister of the Left / Right** - 12 occurrences: These political figures are involved in the Heian court politics, and their roles highlight the political backdrop of Genji’s personal life.

12. **Affairs with multiple women** - 12 occurrences: Genji’s numerous romantic affairs are central to the novel, showcasing his relationships with various women, including Lady Fujitsubo, Utsusemi, and the Lady of the Evening Faces.

13. **Jealous Spirit (Possession)** - 10 occurrences: The concept of a jealous spirit, especially Lady Rokujo's spirit, possessing other women and causing harm, illustrates supernatural elements in the story.

14. **Arthur Waley Translation** - 9 occurrences: Arthur Waley’s translation of *The Tale of Genji* is often mentioned as it helped introduce the work to English-speaking audiences.

15. **Comparison to Cicada Shell** - 8 occurrences: Genji compares the robe of a love interest to a cicada shell, which symbolizes fleeting beauty and transience, a recurring theme in the novel.

16. **Akashi Lady / Akashi Novice** - 7 occurrences: The Akashi Lady is another of Genji's lovers, and her family background adds social complexity to their relationship.

17. **Broom Tree Chapter** - 6 occurrences: The "Broom Tree" chapter, where Genji and friends discuss ideal women, is significant for exploring gender roles and societal expectations.

18. **Reizei Emperor** - 6 occurrences: Genji’s son, Reizei, who becomes emperor, is a result of Genji’s affair with Lady Fujitsubo, adding layers to Genji’s legacy and secrecy within the imperial family.

These clues reflect the central themes, characters, and cultural details of *The Tale of Genji*, including courtly life, romantic entanglements, supernatural elements, and Genji's legacy. The novel's innovative narrative techniques, such as the blank chapter to signify death and its structure as one of the first novels, are also frequently highlighted.