『大和物語』の構造と叙述上の特色

Abstract

『Yamato Monogatari』is a work with new trials done from various perspectives compared to precedent works written in Ｋana. Its introduction part has definite person names, which provide strong reality. Precedent works 『Taketori Monogatari』and 『Ise Monogatari』also use names that remind real persons, but the reality is not clear, so they can't be beyond fabrication. That might be why 『Yamato Monogatari』has the appearance of Emperor Deiji and Ise from the first chapter, making sure it is based on reality. In addition, the introduction part of each chapter uses male names to explain the period of the background of Monogatari, but many main characters of contents are women. Furthermore, it is unconventional that Waka(formal Japanese poem) recited by Ise, a woman, is the first Waka. Until then, the first Wakas of all works were recited by men. In other words, it is assumed that the author of『Yamato Monogatari』intended to enhance the existence of women dramatically from the beginning in Monogatari. The author makes Women with normal status appear as main characters of Monogatari. In male-female relationships, active attitudes of many women are found, and women lead relationships in many parts. This pattern shows Ｋana literature is moving towards women. The fact that Ｋana is for women and many works in Ｋana were read by women can be considered as a factor that changed Monogatari's pattern. In this process, the role of 『Yamato Monogatari』is much bigger than we imagined.