November 8 - Miyake - Japanese Literature

[Anonymous]

I very much enjoyed Professor Miyake's talk. As several people have said, she was able to engage us both with interesting information and a very likeable personality. I especially enjoyed the various translations of the "Tale of Genji" - what a great way to get students invested in critically evaluating different translations and editions of literature. I also saw great potential for writing assignments in response to the "Pillow Book." Students could create their own mini "pillow books" as a form of self reflection and as an introduction to free association or even stream of consciousness writing.

[Anonymous]

Really enjoyed the presentation on Japanese literature. As I left that day two things really stick with me. The first is the unusal voice that Japanese women had and how that happened. This is rare in history to have such a selection of women authors of any period or culture. The second is that the style of reading the "Tale of Genji" is brought to modern western reader by the internet. The idea that scenes are not moving the plot aloong but written to remind the reader of a completely different, like the colored links on an internet page.

[Anonymous]

The web site of Japanese stories for children is really useful. I told my students the story of Kasajizou and they enjoyed it very much, often asking me questions about the story. My sixth graders always have enjoyed folk legends and the accompanying music for the reading is very nice, too. Thanks for the web site information, I plan on using it for my classes. I am learning a lot in these classes and the input from my peers is valuable to me as a teacher. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The Tale of Genji, in its animated form, is engaging and perhaps attainable for my sixth grade Special Education students. I won’t know for sure until I share it with them. From what I have seen, however, with its superb animation, Japanese language, and subtitles, it should entertain my students while telling them this story. Thanks, Miranda, for the posting of the websites.

[Anonymous]

Professor Miyake is incredibly personable. Her taking time to get to know us, and knowing our names before class began, felt wonderful. She brought so many resources. I enjoyed learning about the Tale of the Genji and seeing so many different versions/styles of the story. I also like The Pillow Book and all the lists she made. Reading lists sounds funny, yet it really gives you a feeling of the person who writes them and the world she sees.

I have to say that sometimes I feel my head is going to burst with all this wonderful information.

[Anonymous]

http://www.lizadalby.com/home.html
This website is amazing! Not only does Liza Dalby give a biography of Murasaki, but she also has drawings and photos telling about the dress, hair styles, make-up, food, and customs and ceremonies of this period in Japan's history.

In the section on music, Dalby tells how these instruments relate ot the Tale of Genjii and how the impacted Murasaki's life. Clicking on each instrument, students can hear a brief musical piece and get a flavor for the sounds of the Heian court.

In the "Pets" section, Dalby discusses the love for cats and has an adorable picture of a kitten. She also explains how a dog in the story is severely punished for chasing the cat. Knowing my own cat's personality, I would have to say that the cat probably provoked him.

In the section on games, the ancient game of "Go" is explained. Sukeroku is compared to backgammon. Kemari, an outdoor game, is pictured. It might be something students would enjoy trying.

A frank discussion of homosexuality might make this part of the site off-limits for middle school students. Middle school teachers can bypass this section by merely posting the individual links to each of the sections they want their students to use.

Susan Dubin

[Anonymous]

This is a great site, Susan. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I really liked Pillow talk also. I'm also trying to figure out how to use Genji in my class cause I love the importance of that story. Professor Miyake was so wonderful. Easy going, personable and a wealth of knowledge. What great class this was.

[Anonymous]

The New York Times has an article this weekend on Kyoto and "The Tale of Genji" which might be a great way to introduce it to your kids.

The link is below, with great pictures as a sidebar.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/travel/04footsteps.html?8td&emc=tda1

Enjoy,

Kyle

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the website info. Very good info form the times.
M. Herrera

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

You may be interested in the following New York Times article about the 1,000th anniversary celebration of "The Tale of Genji" in Japan. It's a fun read.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/travel/04footsteps.html?em

-Miranda

[Anonymous]

I was disappointed to miss this class. Thanks for the great website. I'm sure I can use it.

[Anonymous]

During the reading for this session, I came across the following:

"What if there was a culture in which the accomplishments of women writers had early been recognized and valued, in which the literature had been founded largely by women..." (Victoria Vernon, Daughters... pg. 3 found in the binder materials).

This would be great to bring up after reading Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own in which she poses the hypothetical question What if Shakespeare had an equally talented sister who was never discovered because she was female?

[Anonymous]

Comment on the article found on NY Times website http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/travel/04footsteps.html?em

This would be a great project after reading any great work of literature! After reading a text that holds some sort of national pride, students can plan a festival surrounding the celebration of that work. If time permits, students could even put it on for the school during lunch. This would surly promote international awareness and interest!

I'll have to chat with the activities director at my school.

Thanks for the article and the inspiration!

[Author]

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