The Tale Of Genji

The seventh chapter’s title is yet again descriptive of its setting. The section begins in autumn, and Genji is going on 19 yearsold. The scene opens with a major festivity for a former emperor in his family, which is likely a birthday celebration.

During a rehearsal for the jubilee, Genji’s song and dance performances are so wonderful that His Majesty, Senior Nobles, and Princes weep while watching him. The Kokiden Consort is enraged by Genji’s talent and beauty; meanwhile, Fujitsubo wistfully knows she would like his performance better were he not such a philanderer. Later that night, the Emperor, still believing Fujitsubo’s unborn child to be his (and with no awareness Genji is the father), asks her how she enjoyed the rehearsal. She is short in answering,and merely says it was very nice, as she is overwhelmed by fear of her secret affair with Genji ever being discovered.

The next day, Genji sends her a message;he is overjoyed when he hears back from her, but he still returns to his little Murasaki, despite his awareness of Fujitsubo’s struggles and knowing she is secretly carrying Genji’s child. Meanwhile, back at Nijo, little Murasaki is still young enough to play with her “Genji doll,” and her childlike manner occasionally frustrates Genji.