LJ250 Final Paper Proposal PDF

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LJ250 Masterpieces of Japanese Literature Fall 2020
Final Paper Proposal
Boston University...

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Final Paper Proposal: The Architectural Space and Time in The Tale of Genji

Tentative Thesis: Throughout the Tale of Genji, Murasaki Shikibu brilliantly weaves concepts of architectural space and time into the narrative to add a new layer of depth to the characters’ social and emotional identities. 

The placing of Genji’s women in the Rokujō-in have symbolic meanings associated with seasons and mythical creatures.

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The Rokujō-in was built at the time when Genji was at the peak of his power.

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The Rokujō-in parallels the Heian Shinden that has five teahouses and gardens with seasonal variations.

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The shinden-tsukuri is reserved for only the sovereign and women of an unquestionably high status.

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The shinden is structured in a way that exposes women to light and men. The Hikaru in Hikaru Genji means light.

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The uxorilocal type of marital residence allows for different women’s personalities and status to be delineated by their residences.

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Genji monogatari scrolls freeze the space-time continuity at important points of the narrative....