Fujitsubo Character Analysis in The Tale of Genji

Fujitsubo is one of the Emperor's favorite lovers. She comes to court when Genji is seven or eight, having been summoned by the Emperor because she looks like the deceased Lady of the Paulownia Court. However, because she's even more beautiful and perfect than the Paulownia Lady, she doesn't suffer the abuse that her predecessor did. When Genji learns that Fujitsubo looks like his mother, he's very touched; yet as he grows up, he develops an unhealthy obsession with and attraction to her. The Emperor doesn't discourage this when Genji is younger, which leads Genji to pursue the relationship years laters. When Fujitsubo goes home ill at one point, Genji rapes her. She becomes pregnant with Reizei, Genji's child, though she allows the Emperor to believe that the baby is his. This causes Fujitsubo a great deal of stress, as she fears that her power and position could be taken away at any minute were he to find out about Reizei's paternity. She also worries about Kokiden's wrath, especially when the Emperor names Fujitsubo empress not long before his death. In the aftermath of her rape, it's also somewhat unclear whether or not Fujitsubo does indeed nurse secret affection for Genji, as she often finds herself caught between trying to keep him as far away from her as possible and letting him know in small ways that she does have feelings for him. At one point, however, Genji makes Fujitsubo very ill by attempting to rape her a second time. After this, when Reizei is a small child, Fujitsubo makes the decision to remove herself by court life and from Genji's advances by becoming a nun. This proves an effective way to keep herself safe, and she and Genji are able to agree to maintain respectful contact for Reizei's sake. When Reizei takes the throne, Fujitsubo is unable to be treated as a real empress or a regent, but she's given the honors of a retired empress. Genji also gives her many of his paintings from his time in exile.

Fujitsubo Quotes in The Tale of Genji

The The Tale of Genji quotes below are all either spoken by Fujitsubo or refer to Fujitsubo. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Because she was of such high birth (it may have been that people were imagining things) she seemed even more graceful and delicate than the other. No one could despise her for her inferior rank, and the emperor need not feel shy about showing his love for her.

Related Characters: The Emperor, Suzaku, Genji, Fujitsubo, Lady of the Paulownia Court, Kokiden

Page Number and Citation: 6

Explanation and Analysis:

When the Emperor brings Fujitsubo to court to replace the Lady of the Paulownia Court, she is so perfect (and, most importantly, more perfect than the Lady of the Paulownia Court) that others find themselves unable to hate her. This begins to show that Fujitsubo and Genji are, in some ways, very similar: both are exceptional and manage to escape the abuse that the Lady of the Paulownia court suffered, simply because they're somehow better than she was. However, this also begins to show that Fujitsubo is going to take over and become the Emperor's favorite concubine, thereby threatening Kokiden's Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusa

She did not seek to hide her distress, and her efforts to turn him away delighted him even as they put him to shame. There was no one else quite like her. In that fact was his undoing: he would be less a prey to longing if he could find in her even a trace of the ordinary.

Related Characters: Fujitsubo, The Emperor, Genji, Omyōbu

Page Number and Citation: 86

Explanation and Analysis:

When Fujitsubo goes home sick, Genji makes up an excuse to visit her and rapes her. Fujitsubo's distress comes from the fact that she's been well aware since Genji's childhood that he's wanted to have sex with her, something that she understands could seriously damage her reputation were she to choose to go along with his wishes. She recognizes that while the Emperor is still alive, he's still the most powerful man at court and not even a relationship with Genji could save her from the rumor mill or from being cast out. The way in which the narrator phrases Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiore

Fujitsubo was tormented by feelings of guilt and apprehension. Surely everyone who saw the child would guess the awful truth and damn her for it. People were always happy to seek out the smallest and most trivial of misdeeds.

Related Characters: Genji, Fujitsubo, Reizei, The Emperor

Page Number and Citation: 117

Explanation and Analysis:

After Reizei is born and looks shockingly like Genji, Fujitsubo spends most of her time worrying that someone is going to question whether Genji is the child’s biological father. This shows how Fujitsubo is very much caught between the possibility of good things that could come because of her association to Reizei and bad things that could happen because of Reizei's paternity. Should the secret remain secret, Fujitsubo would likely be able to use Reizei's perfection to grab a great deal of power for herself, given how closely he resembles his father and how perfect Genji is. However, if anyone Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provide

In the Seventh Month, Fujitsubo was made empress [...] Making plans for his abdication, the emperor wanted to name Fujitsubo's son crown prince. The child had no strong backing, however [...] The emperor therefore wanted Fujitsubo in an unassailable position from which to promote her son's career.

Related Characters: Genji, Fujitsubo, Reizei, The Emperor, Suzaku

Page Number and Citation: 132

Explanation and Analysis:

As the Emperor prepares to hand the crown over to Suzaku, he seeks to make Reizei's position as crown prince as secure as possible by making Fujitsubo an empress. This begins to demonstrate just how much political calculus goes into a person's position at court. Someone like the Emperor has the power to simply make Fujitsubo empress just because he wants to, and this indicates the ease with which he gets his way at court and can ensure that the successors he chooses will do well. Those who don’t have the power to simply make their relatives a higher rank, Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam offici

Genji felt like a child thief. The role amused him and the affection he now felt for the girl seemed to reduce his earlier affection to the tiniest mote. A man's heart is a very strange amalgam indeed!

Related Characters: Genji, Murasaki, Aoi, Fujitsubo

Page Number and Citation: 182

Explanation and Analysis:

As Genji prepares to marry Murasaki following Aoi's death, he delights in describing himself as a child thief. The fact that he finds this disturbing role so delightful shows that while he understands how the father-daughter relationship would function in normal circumstances, the loss of his mother as a child, his love for Fujitsubo, and Murasaki's resemblance to Fujitsubo has led him to view the relationship through an extremely warped lens. Notably, he feels this way about Murasaki because, being a child, she's especially malleable and he's able to truly make her into his ideal lover, something that he's unable Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus

Memories had dimmed over the years, but now the astonishing resemblance did a little dispel his gloom. The dignity that quite put one to shame also reminded him of Murasaki. He could hardly think of them as two persons, and yet, perhaps because Fujitsubo had been so much in his thoughts over the years, there did after all seem to be a difference.

Related Characters: Lady of the Paulownia Court, The Emperor, Fujitsubo, Murasaki, Genji

Page Number and Citation: 204

Explanation and Analysis:

When Genji attempts to rape Fujitsubo a second time not long after the Emperor's death, he's shocked and in awe to see just how similar Fujitsubo and Murasaki are. This observation helps to explain why Genji has become so obsessed with Murasaki in the first place, even though she's a child: he has a hard time separating her and Fujitsubo and reminding himself that they're two individual people. In turn, Fujitsubo's resemblance to Genji's mother, the Lady of the Paulownia Court, ties all of this dysfunction back to the fact that Genji lost his mother as a toddler and was Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusa

"Though I leave behind a world I cannot endure,

My heart remains with him, still of that world.

And will be muddied by it."

Related Characters: Fujitsubo, Genji, Reizei, The Rokujō Lady, Akikonomu

Page Number and Citation: 219

Explanation and Analysis:

After Fujitsubo announces her plans to become a nun and cuts her hair, she offers this poem to Genji insisting that her heart will remain with her son Reizei, even as she leaves behind the world of courtiers for the world of religion. This shows that the bond between parent and child is extremely strong and, notably, is capable of crossing over from the religious world to the mortal world. This also holds true in the case of the Rokujō Lady and her daughter Akikonomu, who is appointed high priestess of the Ise shrine and is able to take her Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea susci

She was quite aware of Kokiden's feelings and knew that a world at the service of the other lady would be difficult to live in.

Related Characters: Fujitsubo, Kokiden, Minister of the Right, Suzaku, The Emperor

Page Number and Citation: 197

Explanation and Analysis:

Following the Emperor's death, Fujitsubo recognizes that while Suzaku is technically the one in charge, Kokiden and her father, the Minister of the Right, will be the ones actually running the government. The fact that Fujitsubo is scared of Kokiden in particular shows that the female jealousy and rivalry is truly what makes life difficult for the women of the novel, as women use their relative power only to take out their frustrations on other women, not on men. This also illustrates how dependent women like Fujitsubo are on the men they're having sex with to keep them safe and Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi.

Fujitsubo Character Timeline in The Tale of Genji

The timeline below shows where the character Fujitsubo appears in The Tale of Genji. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...of them resemble his dead love. Finally, he hears word of a young princess named Fujitsubo, who, according to another lady at court, closely resembles the Paulownia Lady. The Emperor summons... (full context)

The Parent-Child Relationship Theme Icon

Because Genji sees the Emperor so often, it's difficult for Fujitsubo to keep herself hidden from him. He doesn't remember his mother, the Paulownia Lady, and... (full context)

...and not much with Aoi in Sanjō, mostly because Genji is desperately in love with Fujitsubo. However, now that he's an adult, he's no longer allowed behind her curtains. He resents... (full context)

...sin to cage a bird. As Genji watches, he realizes that the young girl resembles Fujitsubo. He nearly cries. (full context)

...bishop is her uncle and her father is Prince Hyōbu, which explains her resemblance to Fujitsubo—Prince Hyōbu is Fujitsubo’s brother. Genji admits it's a strange and forward request but asks to... (full context)

Fujitsubo falls ill and goes home to spend time with her family. Genji feels bad momentarily... (full context)

Fujitsubo gets sicker and sicker. After three months, it becomes clear that she's pregnant. Her attendants... (full context)

...excursion to the Suzaku Palace. This will include dancing and because the Emperor doesn’t want Fujitsubo and the other ladies to feel left out, he orders a full rehearsal at the... (full context)

The next morning, Genji sends Fujitsubo a letter asking if she could sense his feelings for her through his dance. She... (full context)

Fujitsubo goes home to her family. Genji tries to see her, but his in-laws criticize him... (full context)

Finally, Genji is able to visit Fujitsubo. Omyōbu and other ladies in waiting receive him, but Fujitsubo herself won't see him. Prince... (full context)

Fujitsubo was supposed to give birth in December, but her pregnancy continues through January. She becomes... (full context)

...prince, regretting that he couldn't do the same for Genji. One afternoon, Genji sits in Fujitsubo's apartments listening to music when the Emperor walks in with Reizei. He notes the resemblance... (full context)

...to the palace, Genji sends a long letter with carnations to Omyōbu to give to Fujitsubo, but Fujitsubo instructs Omyōbu to reply with something short. Fujitsubo does, however, include a short... (full context)

In the summer, the Emperor names Fujitsubo empress. This, of course, sends Kokiden into a rage. Rumors fly that the Emperor is... (full context)

...the end of February, the Emperor holds the festival of the cherry blossoms. He seats Fujitsubo and Reizei on one side of him and Genji on the other, which makes Kokiden... (full context)

...the courtiers' poems. Genji's is so exceptional that the reader comments on every line. As Fujitsubo listens, she wonders simultaneously how Kokiden can hate Genji and how she's so drawn to... (full context)

...the festivities end, a slightly drunk Genji prowls through the ladies' apartments to see if Fujitsubo left her door open for him. She didn't. He notices that near Kokiden's pavilion, there's... (full context)

...He's intrigued that she clearly didn't want their relationship to continue and thinks too of Fujitsubo. At a banquet later that day, Genji plays the koto and wonders whether he may... (full context)

...he has less to amuse him and people begin to complain that he's quite aloof. Fujitsubo happily spends her time with the Emperor, which annoys Kokiden. She doesn't follow the Emperor... (full context)

...him. Genji shudders at the possibility that his father might learn of his affair with Fujitsubo, and then excuses himself. (full context)

Genji visits the Emperor at the palace and then calls on Fujitsubo. She sends out condolences through Omyōbu. Genji then visits Murasaki and tells her that now... (full context)

...for advice. Suzaku agrees to follow his father's wishes. Reizei also visits the Emperor with Fujitsubo. Later, the Emperor tells Genji to take care of Reizei. Kokiden delays her visit and... (full context)

Fujitsubo knows that Kokiden will be horrible to live with, so Prince Hyōbu arrives to take... (full context)

Fujitsubo continues to worry about Reizei. Though she's happy that the Emperor never found out about... (full context)

By evening, Fujitsubo is feeling better, so Prince Hyōbu leaves. Genji slips out of the closet and watches... (full context)

Distraught, Genji leaves and vows to make Fujitsubo feel sorry for him. He locks himself away and doesn't write to her. Fujitsubo spends... (full context)

Genji ignores Reizei to punish Fujitsubo for her "cruelty." He attempts to avoid gossip by spending several days in a temple... (full context)

...now, and he finds her very pleasing. He sends some branches of autumn leaves to Fujitsubo and Omyōbu, apologizing for his neglect. Fujitsubo blushes when she discovers a tightly folded note... (full context)

...the matter. They discuss all manner of things and finally, they talk about Reizei and Fujitsubo. As Genji leaves the emperor's chambers, one of Kokiden's nephews boldly insults Genji for being... (full context)

...that he's sad too and intends to return. On the anniversary of the Emperor's death, Fujitsubo prepares to read the Lotus Sutra for him. She and Genji exchange notes expressing their... (full context)

When the ceremony is over, Genji goes to speak to Fujitsubo. He's angry that she surprised them all, but Fujitsubo sends notes through Omyōbu that she... (full context)

...Reizei all night. In the morning, he throws himself into getting the nunnery ready for Fujitsubo and Omyōbu, who also decided to take vows. He and Fujitsubo see each other more... (full context)

When the spring promotions are announced, Fujitsubo's household is passed over entirely. She devotes herself to prayer and reminds herself that Reizei's... (full context)

...of the Orange Blossoms; he doesn't visit her often, but he is her only visitor. Fujitsubo also begins to write him, worried about rumors. Finally, at the end of March, Genji... (full context)

...before Genji leaves, he visits the Emperor's grave and but stops in first to see Fujitsubo. They discuss their worries about Reizei and Genji refrains from bringing up old complaints. The... (full context)

...seasons pass, Genji thinks often of Murasaki, Reizei, and Yugiri. He sends letters to Murasaki, Fujitsubo, and Oborozukiyo. In her grief and loneliness, Murasaki takes to her bed, making her serving... (full context)

...Yoshikiyo about the power of friendship. They stare at the moon and Genji cries for Fujitsubo and the friendship he shared with Suzaku. He realizes he holds no ill will towards... (full context)

...and the former governor asks his daughter to play. Genji finds her playing much like Fujitsubo's and he regrets not asking her to play for him sooner. He asks her to... (full context)

...they talk happily all night. Genji sets about commissioning prayers, checks in on Reizei and Fujitsubo, and sends a note to Akashi. The Gosechi dancer is disappointed that Genji is back... (full context)

...enjoys his retirement, Genji has moved into his mother the Paulownia Lady's old rooms, and Fujitsubo is treated with the respect of a retired empress. She's able to see Reizei again... (full context)

Genji consults Fujitsubo in the matter, and she suggests that Genji pretend to not know that Suzaku loves... (full context)

Fujitsubo desperately wants Akikonomu to come to court. Genji has decided to not bring Akikonomu to... (full context)

Genji helps install Akikonomu at court and feels the Rokujō Lady would be proud. Fujitsubo tells Reizei about the new lady. Reizei fears that because she's older than he is... (full context)

...filled with the Kokiden girl and Akikonomu's favorite art. Their two styles are very different. Fujitsubo, a great art lover herself, decides that the court ladies should split into two sides... (full context)

The court turns to examining Genji's journals and Genji gives his paintings to Fujitsubo, promising to one day tell her everything. Tō no Chūjō hopes that Reizei won't forget... (full context)

Fujitsubo Character Analysis

Fujitsubo Quotes in The Tale of Genji

The Paulownia Court Quotes

Lavender Quotes

An Autumn Excursion Quotes

Heartvine Quotes

The Sacred Tree Quotes

Fujitsubo Character Timeline in The Tale of Genji