Message from mmendoza

[Anonymous]

Prof. Miyake provided us with one amazing resource idea that I know I will use in the future. Believe it or not it is the Tale of Genji comic. In AP World History, we do cover the importance of literature in various places and eras, and the Tale of Genji is definitely covered. Due to the fact that some of my students elect not to read, I feel that changing things up by using a comic of the story might actually be interesting and engaging. Along with this I found her lecture very informative in the various items she mentioned such as:

1. Court life through the examples of Lady Murasaki Shikubi & Sei Shonagon

2. The role of women at this time -- from what they wore, being a good wife, and walking on their knees. OUCH!

3. The role of poetry in courtship -- no face to face contact meant that you better be good at writing poetry both male and female. Not only that, but your handwriting was important. Quite interesting if that was done today.

4. The importance of the wife being learned in order to help out the cause of her offspring (sons).

5. The difference in language at this time -- 2 tier language system. Living in Japan, but most males used a classical Chinese, whereas women were only able to learn the vernacular Japanese, which ultimately resulted in the writings of Lady Murasaki & Sei Shonagon.

A truly wonderful evening of learning!

Manuel 😀