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Primary sourceBook1927 (novel written c. early 11th century)

A Wreath of Cloud, Chapter IX: The Flares

Murasaki Shikibu · 1927 (novel written c. early 11th century)

A complete chapter from Murasaki Shikibu's novel The Tale of Genji, in Arthur Waley's 1927 English translation.

This chapter is from Murasaki Shikibu's novel The Tale of Genji, showing her storytelling and characterization.

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What it is

This is Chapter IX, "The Flares," from A Wreath of Cloud, part of Arthur Waley's English translation of Murasaki Shikibu's novel The Tale of Genji, published in 1927. The chapter follows the character Genji discussing the eccentric behaviour of Lady Ōmi and his views on her family.

Why it matters

This chapter shows Murasaki Shikibu's skill at character and social commentary through the fictional figure of Genji. As a complete chapter, it lets students read a full episode of her storytelling, revealing how she used dialogue and reflection to explore ideas about family, reputation, and social status in the Heian court.

Look closer

  • What does Genji's reaction to Lady Ōmi reveal about attitudes toward family and reputation at court?
  • How does Murasaki Shikibu use dialogue to develop her characters' views?
  • What might be changed or lost when reading this scene in a translation rather than the original Japanese?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Murasaki Shikibu on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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