In the diary like genre written by Sei Shõnagon, entries are written describing what everyday life is like for her in the Emperor’s court. Based on her writings we can picture the basic hierarchical social life in the Emperors court. One particular aspect of the social order that interest me is the constant fear of banishment and the constant struggle of maintaining position by the variety members of the Emperor’s court.
Fear of banishment, the constant struggle to maintain a position and ambition to get promoted is clear in the social orders of the Emperors court. Everyone works for the emperor and he holds the greatest power over everyone. Thus everything must occur to his favor and on his schedule. Everyone else in the court must handle their personal business on his time. Even flirting, like the young men and women of the court. Along with flirting there are also small degree of attempting to get promotion by asking those who are close to the emperor and his family to put in a “good word.” Like the old man in page 1133 : “Do mention me favorable to the Emperor or Empress.” he says it as he chats with the ladies of the court.
Muma no Myõbu was replaced because she lost the trust of the Emperor after she called the dog Okinamaro to frighten the Emperors cat. The emperor witnessed this and reales Muma no Myõbu of her duty. “The Emperor went on to chastise Muma no Myõbu…” (pg 1134, Par 6) The loss of employment during these times meant loosing not just your income, but also a place of living, protection, food and opportunity to advance in life.
People of the Court are amused, entertained and attentive to the drama of misery and banishment that happens in the court just like the chastising of the Emperors cat care taker. “Everyone gathered and a noisy hunt ensued.” (pg 1134, Par 7) Everyone is bored and borderline stuck in a system that goes around worshipping of the Emperor. So little dramas and rumors have large entertainment value to the people of the court. Especially the dramas that concern banishment because everyone lives under the fear of banishment. Its this commonality that yields the interest of gossip.