『겐지모노가타리』[源氏物語]의 복안적 시점과 스에쓰무하나[末摘花]

Abstract

This paper considers how the stereoscopic viewpoint of the author of The tale of Genji is related to the Genji’s character molding. And the consideration will start with Suetsumuhana, a female character who has oppositional evaluation. Suetsumuhana is considered a negative figure in “The Saffron-Flower” chapter. The negative perception that Genji’s disappointment shows not only her inferior appearance and inner self, but also her life attitude that seems to refuse to escape poverty. However, in the “The Palace in the Tangled Woods” chapter, Suetsumuhana’s refusal to escape poverty is positively evaluated. This change of evaluation is due to not only a change in the viewpoint of a narrative but also Genji’s change. While experiencing Kiritsubon’s death and the eviction of Suma and Akashi, Genji saw people changing according to the times. It makes Genji look at Setsumuhana positively. However, there are signs of negating such a relationship in “The Palace in the Tangled Woods” chapter. The narrative author replaces the unnatural sausage instead of adding value to the changes in Genji in a statement affirming the unchanged appearance. Here you can see the author’s point of view of conflict of value. The viewpoint of the narrative is sometimes indicated by the Genji, but sometimes the Genji is objectified. An example of the former is “The Saffron-Flower” chapter. Another example of the latter is the criticism to Suetsumuhana who practiced an old-style Waka in Tamakazura-jujo. Genji, who criticizes the old-style Waka, may be a force of opinion about Waka. However, if you think about Genji’s constant amorous personality, you can take it as a rebuke to Genji’s unalterable personality. When we read a chapter of The tale of Genji as a short story, and as we read The tale of Genji as a long narrative Genji differentiates hemself from the stereoscopic viewpoint of the author. The character, Siethmuhana, presents guidelines for such reading.