Heian Japan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Heian Japan - Essay Example led in a number of contemporaneous literatures such as The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon by Sei Shonagon, Anthology of Japanese Literature: from the earliest era to the mid-nineteenth century by Donald Keene, The Tale of Genji and The Diary of Lady Murasaki, both composed by Murasaki Shikibu. The Tale of Genji is regarded as one of the first novels in Japan. The works of Shikibu and Shonagon highlight the Japanese court cultures with values and concepts. The Tale of Genji is the greatest classic of Japanese literature which reflects the significance of this culture especially among the women’s communities during the heian period. By well revealing the world of imperial court of Heian Japan these literatures actually portray the fascinating culture and society of that era. Murasaki Shikibu along with Sei Shonagon is an evidence of women education in Heian Japan. The capital city of Heian comprised chiefly of the royal homes of aristocratic people enjoying power. From this very city of wise dimensions, the emperors and their corresponding ministers supervised the entire country. Buddhist temples remained imperative institution throughout the Heian era. They enjoyed economic power to a considerable extent by political interference and many landed estate’s control. Relatives of the emperor or noble families were chiefly select ed as the leaders of the temples. Elite women though not accompanying official designations of emperors or ministers had access to political affairs and property ownership. They were even entitled to pass on their properties to their heirs. At the Heian court, the Japanese started adopting a culture which remained unaffected by Chinese culture (â€Å"Heian period†). In Tale of Genji the character of the handsome prince reflects the existence of love and romance in the Heian period (Bowring). This classic novel throws light on love, sex and politics prevailing in the society in that era (Bowring). The relationship of love between the member of