Whether the title was generic and whether sei shonagon herself used it is not known, but other diaries of the heian period 7941185 indicate that such journals may have. The pillow book of sei shonagon is a fascinating look at japanese court culture during the 11th century heian period 794 to 1186. The pillow book is a collection of anecdotes, lists, and assorted writings that is one of the best sources of information concerning the court society of the tenth century and is considered an influential landmark in the history of japanese literature penny and matthew. Supersummary, a modern alternative to sparknotes and cliffsnotes, offers highquality study guides for challenging works of literature. The tale of genji is considered the worlds first novel. The works by japanese women series wraps up by examining the various english translations of two of japans greatest works of literature, both penned by women. The pillow book was written by sei shonagon, murasaki shikibus contemporary and rival, as an essay about the life, loves, and pastimes of nobles in the emperors court. This short lecture discusses about two of the most famous works of literature in japanese history, both written by court women during the. Sei shonagon was a japanese author and a court lady who served the empress teishi during the middle heian period. The book is full of humorous observations okashi written in the style of a diary, an approach known as zuihitsustyle rambling of which the pillow book was the first and greatest example.
Sei shonagon, diarist, poet, and courtier whose witty, learned pillow book makura no soshi exhibits a brilliant and original japanese prose style and is a masterpiece of classical japanese literature. Where would we be without the words of japanese women. The pillow book of sei shonagon is one of the earliest examples of diary literature whose passages chronicle the events of the court calendar, the ceremonies and celebrations specific to teishis court, and the vignettes that provide brilliantly drawn glimpses into the manners and foibles of the aristocracy. Pillow book history, translation, and facts britannica. She is best known as the author of the pillow book. The pillow book makura no soshi is a personalised account of life at the japanese court by sei shonagon which she completed c. Three lives, three worlds, the pillow book youtube. It is also the best source of information on japanese court life in the heian period 7941185. The pillow book of sei shonagon is a fascinating, detailed account of japanese court life in the eleventh century. Written by a lady of the court at the height of heian culture, this book enthralls. This 54page guide for the pillow book by sei shonagon includes detailed chapter summaries and analysis covering 297 chapters, as well as several more indepth sections of expertwritten literary analysis. The pillow book showcases a distinctive japanese genre, a blend of essays, lists, poetry and vignettes mimicking fragmented. Written by a lady of the court at the height of heian culture, this book enthralls with its lively gossip, witty observations, and subtle impressions.