The Tale of Genji is believed to have been primarily written by Murasaki Shikibu (973-1014 or 1075) in 1021 during the Heian period (794-1184). It is considered one of the greatest works of fiction and talks about the ideal roles of a man and a woman during the Heian period. It also allows modern audiences to see the cultural differences between what was considered the norm during the Heian period and what is considered the norm in the 21st century. The Tale of Genji tells the story of Prince Hikaru Genji, son of the current emperor of the time and Lady Kiritsubo, and how he grows from a young boy who has multiple affairs with women to a wise emperor who begins to take responsibility for his actions. that he did when he was younger. It is a critique of ancient Japanese literature and shows how women are treated as "objects" serving men and men are the more authoritarian gender, can have multiple relationships with women, and can transform a woman in her ideal image of a woman. Tō no Chūjō, the left head squire, Genji and the ceremonial aide Fujiwara in chapter two, there are three types of women. People of high birth, those of middle birth and those of low birth. The highborn are born into royalty and are constantly cared for by the people around them. Unfortunately, because girls born into royalty are constantly surrounded by their peers, much about these types of girls remains unknown and girls born into royalty may not deserve their rank. The middle class arose from governors or men who were not high enough to be considered royalty, but not low enough to be considered commoners. Girls who were born into the middle class must distinguish themselves from other women born... middle of paper ...... perfectionist and she seemed to show no interest in Genji until the last moments of his life . before giving birth to their child and then dying at the end of chapter nine. It wasn't until Aoi's death that Genji finally began to appreciate Aoi and treat women as more than just objects of sex and power. When Genji finally becomes emperor at the start of chapter seventeen, Genji is concerned about the future of his country and is only focused on taking care of the current wives he has in life. In return, his wives do their best to take care of him.Works CitedHeian Period (794-1184 AD). Chronology of Japanese History. Chronology of Japanese History. 2011.Web. February 27, 2011. Shikibu, Murasaki. The Tale of Genji. New York: Toronto, 2006. Print “Summary of the Tale of Genji.” Taleofgenji.org. Taleofgenji.org. 2001. Internet. February 27,2011.