Class Discussion week 5b: Rokujo in The Tale of Genji and Aoi no Ue

Remember to bring your copies of The Tale of Genji and Aoi no Ue!

What are the main differences between Aoi no Ue and the original story in The Tale of Genji? In class I will present differences in authorship/patronage, audience, goals, and religion for each representation of Rokujo. The discussion questions are meant to help you think about what the changes in the story, character, motivation (etc.) are, and why those changes might have been made.

 1. What is the central conflict?

Tale of Genji :

Aoi no Ue :

a. Why do you think there is a difference in the two versions of the story?

2. Is Rokujô alive or dead?

Tale of Genji :

Aoi no Ue :

a. Why the difference?

3. Is Rokujô conscious of what she is doing?

Tale of Genji :

Aoi no Ue :

a. Why the difference?

4. Does she kill Aoi no Ue?

Tale of Genji :

Aoi no Ue :

a. Why the difference?

5. Who does Rokujô appear to? What role do the priests play?

Tale of Genji :

Aoi no Ue :

a. Why the difference?

6. Does Rokujô get enlightenment?

Tale of Genji :

Aoi no Ue :

a. Why the difference?