Which of the following is an accurate description of how The Tale of Genji contributed to Japanese culture? Choose the best answer choice, and explain.
Responses
It showed that Japanese culture should celebrate the importance and lifestyles of the common people.
It helped show that men were the most significant figures in maintaining Japanese culture.
It demonstrated that Japanese culture should prioritize modernization and industry.
It helped establish an idiom that emphasized the belief that all things are impermanent.
The accurate description of how The Tale of Genji contributed to Japanese culture is: It helped establish an idiom that emphasized the belief that all things are impermanent.
The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century, is considered one of the world's first novels and is a classic work of Japanese literature. One of the main themes of the novel is the fleeting nature of life and beauty, as exemplified by the main character, Genji. This idea of impermanence became deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and influenced various aspects of art, literature, and philosophy.
By showcasing the impermanence of life and the transient nature of beauty, The Tale of Genji contributed to a cultural mindset in Japan that emphasized the importance of cherishing each moment and appreciating the beauty in simplicity. This idea of impermanence is reflected in many aspects of Japanese culture, including the concept of wabi-sabi in art and the practice of hanami (flower viewing) to celebrate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms.
Overall, The Tale of Genji played a significant role in shaping Japanese culture by establishing the idea that all things are impermanent, influencing various aspects of Japanese society and thought for centuries to come.