The Pillow Book

Consider Shonagon’s relationship to the Empress. By modern day terms, would you classify the two as friends? What enables their friendship, and what limits it?

Men and women often seem distinctly separated in The Pillow Book. What connects them, in Shonagon’s eyes? Does she see utility in separating the sexes?

Religion is an important part of Heian court life. Why, and when, does Shonagon seem to value Buddhism? How does Buddhism seem to shape Shonagon’s life? Do some background research on principles of Buddhism to support your answer.

Frequently, Shonagon lists items, places, and images that appeal to her (or do not appeal to her). What can you learn about her from these lists? Examine three to five lists and consider the priorities, commentaries, and selections that Shonagon makes in writing them. If we consider Shonagon’s lists to be spontaneous, obvious representations of Heian court life, what then can we learn from them about life in that space and time?

Why is the natural world important to Shonagon? Revisit passages in which Shonagon describes scenes from nature to provide evidence for your argument.

What is the role of spectacle in Heian court, from Shonagon’s perspective? How does spectacle reinforce social structures?

Shonagon often imagines anecdotes of people, places, and events upon which she wants to comment. How does her practice as a writer enable her to comment on society without, as she calls it, gossiping about others around her?

What is the purpose of the many screens, divisions, and walls that Shonagon describes in The Pillow Book?