earticle

영어

This study examines the meaning of the inheritance of Genji’s picture diary(e-nikki) by his daughter Akashinohimegimi in the chapter “Umegae” (Plum Branch) of The Tale of Genji. Previous studies of this matter have usually focused on the “Suma” and “Akashi” chapters. However, I define the term “picture diary” to include the “Umegae” chapter as well. In addition, as previous studies have mentioned, Genji’s diary is influenced by The Tale of Utsuho. However, in this paper, I attempt to analyze the picture diary in comparison with other diaristic works of the Heian Period: the Tosa Diary and the Kagerō Diary. The influence of the Tosa Diary is reflected in the travel diary aspect of Genji’s work, which implies his visit to Suma and Akashi. Moreover, Genji’s dairy is written in a mix of kanji (Chinese characters) and kana (Japanese characters), similar to the style of the Tosa Diary. With regard to Kagerō Diary, this work has a good relationship with pictures and contains both personal and familial records. Similarly, as Genji’s diary might include his experience and feelings in Suma and Akashi, it can function as a father’s diary for his daughter. In conclusion, Genji’s picture diary drawn during his stay in Suma and Akashi functions as a memento for his daughter Akashinohimegimi, and the donation of the picture diary to his daughter means that she will be the heir of the family.