Is Genji a Hero?
The tales of Genji (whose existence was in the early 11th century) as summarized by Murasaki Shikibu illustrate various social aspects that surrounded Genji. He was regarded as an epitome of virtues like love, however, the nature of his relationships also led to criticism especially on the idea of rape and forced intercourse in chapter nine (Laura et al., 464). On the other hand, Lancelot is widely recognized in the Arthurian dynasty as the best knight among the Knights of the Round Table in King Arthur’s court. His heroic personality is created from the prowess in fighting battles and saving many people from King Arthur’s enemies. Therefore, besides the fact that both personalities exhibit heroic traits, this paper uses a contrasting and comparison approach, evaluates if Genji is a hero.
Notably, besides some of the differences, the scope of their heroism like context, the social surrounding of both Genji and Galileo regarded both of them as heroes. For instance, Genji was regarded by both women and men in his society as the main representative of the whole concept of a perfect love relationship (Laura et al., 465). Some of the heroic acts associated to him being an epitome of an intimate relationship include; Genji’s ability to establish liaison with a variety of women who found him irresistible (Laura et al., 481), his regard for not only character but also value for the looks of his women and lastly, his loyalty to the women established a bond with since he did not abandon them. In the social context of the 11th century, such traits in a man were highly admirable. Therefore, since Genji possesses these traits, he was actively revered as a hero by both men and women (Laura et al., 479).
Furthermore, in the tales of Genji, besides men dominating the society at the time, Genji’s society and love relationship respects women and no physical violence towards them is reported. Furthermore, the recognition of rank in the relationship between a man and a woman gave lords and elites like Genji unlimited access to approaching any woman in their household (Laura et al., 473). This factor immensely promoted the prevalence and social belief in polygamous marriages. However, dissenters also accuse Genji of violence against women. Setoguchi Jakucho vehemently declined the belief that Genji’s relationships were based on seduction. Profoundly, Setaouchi explains that the relationships were characterized by rape and forced sex.
However, the tale of Genji illustrates rare scenarios where women or girls from good families whose fathers were alive are exposed to incidences of forced intercourse. Nevertheless, girls without fathers were more likely disadvantaged either in social or material pedestals which made them prone to incidences of forced intercourse like Nokiba no Ogi in chapter three (Laura et al. , pg. 467). However, as a counter-argument for Setaouchi Jakucho’s sentiments on forced intercourse, the tale also depicts that such type of intercourse was the beginning of long-term relationships and a major determinant of the woman’s future. Furthermore, it would lead to marriage in most occasions.
On the other, Sir Lancelot’s heroic acts are portrayed as being the best knight in the court of King Arthur. He is regarded as the best knight among the round table of Knights in the court of King Arthur due to his Knightly achievements that involved saving various people. Additionally, most of the knightly and acts of heroism illustrated by Lancelot were mainly associated with Guinevere. On many occasions, he saved Guinevere (King Arthur’s wife) after being kidnapped by King Arthurs enemies like the prince from the neighbouring court. Furthermore, his excellent fighting skills also promote his legacy in a knight of the round table. Through the skills, he helped King Arthur win many battles against his enemies.
Additionally, Lancelot is regarded as a French contribution to the Arthurian Legends since his birthplace was France. Furthermore, the Arthurian Courtyard recognized Lancelot as an epitome of perfect Knighthood because he was noble, acknowledged social justice and was always willing to defend the honour of women (like he protects and fights for Guinevere in multiple kidnapping occasions). Besides his depiction as a perfect knight, another heroic theme from Lancelot is that no man is perfect. For instance, his lust and adultery with Guinevere was his weakness. It led to adversity between him and his friend (King Arthur) and his relocation to France.
Notably, both Genji and Lancelot are heroes. However, their heroism is portrayed in different dimensions of social life. Furthermore, another similarity in their heroic acts is also supported by the fact that they also lived in the same times (11th century) (which ultimately led to partially heroic contexts). Genji was a hero in social prospects like love and the diversity of social issues like gender, and power that surrounded his relationships with women and his overall social environment (Laura et al., 463). Furthermore, most of the heroic activities affiliated to Genji are also limited to the contextual outlook of the 11th century. On the other hand, besides Lancelot’s heroism being in the social context like Genji, Lancelot mainly focused on his knightly role as a warrior in fighting battles for his people which prompted his recognition as a hero (Laura et al., 503). However, his quest for love affects his legacy as a hero, unlike Genji.
From the illustrations in this paper, the heroic acts of Genji are vivid. Notably, his heroism is particularly advent within his social group like Lancelot. Notably, the ability of Genji to possess admirable character traits, outstanding thoughts about intimate relationships and the outlook of his relationships with the diverse women he had made him a hero of his society (Laura et al., 472) Notably, it is also prudent from the study how heroes partake their heroic acts in diverse prospects of life. The implications and legacy of the heroic acts also vary depending on how society embraces the heroic acts and ideas and apply in their livelihood. These differences are vividly illustrated in the heroic scope and activities of both Lancelot and Genji. The social recognition of Genji’s heroism mainly dominates in the social sphere of life particularly love (unlike Lancelot who dominated in winning battles as the reason why women like Guinevere and Eldine loved him). Genji’s heroic acts predominantly impacted a positive social perception and approach towards love relationships
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Bibliography
Laura Getty, Rhonda Kelley, Kyounghye Kwon, Douglass Thomson: World literature 1; Beginnings to 1650 Part Two; the middle Ages; University of North Georgia Press.