Voices That Hear
Though her life was fairly short, Murasaki Shikibu established herself as one of the greatest writers in Japanese history and in world history as well. By the 1100s CE, she was considered a classical writer and was required study for all serious scholars. Her work was constantly reprinted, illustrated, and distributed. By the 17th Century, scenes from The Tale of Genji were vital Japanese imagery that decorated everything from screens to wedding dowries.
Murasaki’s contributions to Japanese and world literature are nearly priceless. Not only did she write the world’s first novel, giving life to a completely new genre of literature, but she kept detailed records of Heian court life. Much of our information about this period comes from her diaries. She was also instrumental in the development of the Japanese language into a national pride – many have called her a Shakespeare of Japan for the way that she bent language to her will.
Her remarkable life is a testament to the fact that women have always been present and active in history. She was unconventional, and her unique brilliance made her unforgettable.
