Why is Genji so attracted to Fujitsubo?

Why is Genji so Attracted to Fujitsubo?

Tale of Genji is a renowned Japanese novel attributed to Murasaki Shikibu, which explores the passionate and often tumultuous romantic relationships between the protagonists and their loves. Among the many intriguing romances in the novel, there is a particularly noteworthy affection between Genji, the aristocratic hero, and Lady Fujitsubo (also known as Houmen no Kimi or simply Fujitsubo-san, the name Fujitsubo-san refers to her at age 18). Genji’s deep affection for her is remarkable, especially as it develops gradually and through various challenges. To unpack the motivations behind this allure, this article delves into the novel and other sources to provide insight on why Genji was smitten with Fujitsubo.

Physical Appearance Matters

Fujitsubo’s stunning beauty is evident when she enters the palace around the age of seven as a Lady-in-waiting to the Emperor [1]. Her extraordinary look is repeatedly emphasized by narrators, making her instantaneously noticeable to everyone within the court. Her visual appeal was not solely from her youth; it combined with an air of composure and elegance. Meanwhile, Genji is eight years younger than her.

Influence of First Impressions

One incident in particular solidified this attraction. When Fujitsubo visits the Paulownia Court, an eerie sense of fate led Genji to mistake his mother, the late Kiritsubo, in him [2]. A similar feeling of kinship is associated with Fujitsubo’s presence. We can surmise that such an initial connection resonates with Genji and instills an emotional response for Fujitsubo, considering the impact of early emotions on forming lasting attachments

Personality Factors: Shared Experiences Strengthen Bond

After arriving at the palace, Lady Fujitsubo shows qualities that mirror those of her predecessor, Kiritsubo. Fujitsubo understands the subtle nuances of Empress Court etiquette and thus earns admiration from court women. Her calm nature even soothes the usually stoic Emperor. It helps that Fujitsubo has a knack of understanding the world from both Genji’s and Lady Kaoru’s perspectives, granting her the ability to ease their misunderstandings and become a unifying factor at the court. From this vantage, sharing experiences, such as learning and experiencing the customs as well as the life path of Lady Kiritsubo, and understanding different point of views, allowed deeper connections and empathy for and between Fujitsubo (and Lady Kaoru ) and Genji to formulate.

Emotional Interplay and Empathy Generate Strong Feelings

Two aspects significantly contribute to shaping Genji’s infatuation for Fujitsubo: his emotional reaction (as the reader gets swept up in the protagonist’ emotions, we share what he is experiencing ) through the encounter with the vengeful spirit ( yūrei ) on Shōryū’ Temple grounds. For that moment, Genji re-experiences the pained memories associated with Lady Kiritsubo’s life events, and that painful nostalgia triggers a renewed energy in Genji and becomes a foundation for an unexpected connection between him and Fuji…