Although I've already alluded to this aspect of Genji in earlier posts, I think it's time to consider why Genji has so many lovers. Obviously, in today's world, no man of any rank in society would be allowed to have more than one wife. (That said, in places like India and Africa it is still somewhat common.)
Clearly, in today's world, it is not even acceptable for one man to have several girlfriends at the same time.
This, however, is one aspect of Genji that can not be avoided. Perhaps one should look into the historical setting to find reasons for why this was accepted, or necessary in the novel. First, the morality rate of children was extremely high in ancient Japan. Only one out of two children are said to have reached adulthood. Second, it was important for a person like Genji to build a legacy for himself, and have ample protegy to choose from, in order to maintain his high post in society. (As legacy often determined one's status.) Third, Heian society on a whole remained somewhat naive (as seen from a modern perspective) with regard to childbirth. Often it was believed that children were born through "immaculate conception."
YOUR TASK:
1) Compare Genji to Barack Obama. How do their families differ? How are they the same?
2) What expectations has their respective societies placed upon them that would cause them to behave in certain ways, particularly regarding their families?
3) Now think of Genji and Obama's families. What impact has society had on them, particularly in way they conduct themselves when they are in public? Are there more similarities than differences between these two clans?
4) EXTRA CREDIT: Do research on the current Imperial family of Japan. How are they similar to, or different from Genji and/or Obama?
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