Home » History » Asian History » World's First Novelist: Lady Murasaki Shikibu

World's First Novelist: Lady Murasaki Shikibu

© Maria Christensen

Love, intrigue, lust and adventure are all ingredients of a modern bestselling novel. However, one such book with just these characteristics thrilled readers almost one thousand years ago. The Tale of Genji, written by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, considered by many to be the first novelist in the world, is a fascinating study of Heian Japan and the relationship between men and women. Just as fascinating is the story of the life of Lady Murasaki, or at least what is known of it.

Born around 973 to a government official and scholar, Fujiwara Tametoki, Lady Murasaki soon showed signs of keen intelligence. Finding an outlet for her intelligence troubled her father, as women during the Heian Period (794-1185) were not allowed to follow a traditional course of learning Chinese and studying Chinese classics, as was required of upper class men, though basic education was not forbidden. Lady Murasaki's brother, however, did study the classics with a tutor and a blind eye was turned when Lady Murasaki discreetly sat in on the lessons. When she entered her twenties, a marriage was arranged with a distant relative, Fujiwara no Nobutaka, and their daughter was born in 999. Two years later, Lady Murasaki became a young widow when her husband was struck down by plague. With a reputation for intelligence and writing talent and a father with influence on her side, Lady Murasaki soon received an invitation from the imperial family to come to court in Kyoto as a lady in waiting to the Empress Akiko. Thus began a new stage in her life.

Court life in Heian Japan abounded with luxury and culture. Music and poetry were exalted and great emphasis was placed on being able to dress well. A beautifully draped sash could provoke intense admiration, as could a poem celebrating nature or the human spirit. Popular literature, mainly poetry, was the realm of women. Written in Japanese vernacular by women who had never learned Chinese, the sentiments were often those of human emotions and feelings, which could not be found in the Chinese classics. Despite the simple yet lofty ideals expressed in literature, court life was also full of intrigue and empty thought. Scheming and obsession with the unimportant held no attraction for Lady Murasaki, who grew tired and impatient with it all. She buried herself in her work and struggled to keep her knowledge of Chinese to herself, although she did secretly teach the language to Empress Akiko. She kept a diary for two years into which she poured her feelings of alienation.

The copyright of the article World's First Novelist: Lady Murasaki Shikibu in Asian History is owned by . Permission to republish World's First Novelist: Lady Murasaki Shikibu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.