Research Paper on:
Masculinity in The Tale of Genji

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
and place described by Shikibu Genji was considered a very handsome and desirable man. His relationships tell us a lot about the women of the novel, as well as his  position as a charming and sexually enticing man. In the following paper we examine the character of Genji, illustrating what makes him desirable, and then discuss the women in the  story in regards to the roles they play and their influence. Genji Genji is, perhaps first and foremost, a handsome man. He is, in many ways, beautiful. Now  today we are not necessarily drawn to men who are beautiful, although Brad Pitt and others seem to go against this trend. Women often look for men who are strong  and perhaps even a bit stupid about the arts and poetry. In essence, a man who is into art and poetry and other romantic subjects is often considered less than  manly, and perhaps only good as a friend. However, we have only to look back in history to note how men who are romantic and involved in romantic pursuits  were considered far more enticing than strong and ignorant men. And, men with a sense of ethereal beauty have always lured the women throughout history. In these respects we see  how Genji is attractive. Genji seems to know what women feel, how they think, what they want. His class, his beauty, his interests, and his apparent sensitivity seem to combine  to lure women of all ages. They seem to try hard not to be attracted to him for they understand that it is nothing but a physical relationship that would  not last. But, most of them cannot resist him at all for he is unassuming and clearly not one to threaten or mentally and physically threaten them. Genji is a