Discussion Topics for The Pillow Book

How would you describe the genre(s) of the Pillow Book?
How are poems and poetry used in the text? What is the place of poetry in Heian court life as depicted in the text?
Whose values are authorized in The Pillow Book? How does this point of view affect the depiction of others in the text?
What’s the purpose of the story of Okinamaro, the court dog? Of the begger nun and the snow mountain?
Look at the various lists in The Pillow Book: “dispiriting things,” “rare things,” “things that are distressing to see,” “endearingly lovely things,” “things that give you pleasure.” What do the things in each of these lists have in common?
What are your impressions of Sei Shonagon as a writer, and as a character in her own story?
Come up with one question or discussion topic of your own.

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