Author Archives: Jesse Rigos

“Though her father too resented Genji’s other affairs, he forgot his annoyance when Genji was here beside him, and no service seemed too great or too small. As Genji prepared to leave for court the next day, the minister looked in upon him, bringing a famous belt for him to wear with his court dress, straightening his train, as much as helping him into his shoes. One almost felt something pathetic in this eagerness.” (Beneath the Autumn Leaves, Pg 125)

I chose this quote because it is a great example of Genji’s influence and likability. Despite Genji’s numerous affairs, his wife’s father still admires him and is willing to go great lengths to please Genji. This quote also demonstrates the norms surrounding marriage at this time in Japan. Genji continuously mistreats his wife by having affairs and becoming emotionally attached to other women, yet he does not understand why his wife has grown distant to him. Genji blames his wife for acting coldly towards him while refusing to acknowledge his fault in the matter. His actions are especially displeasing to his wife because she is of high rank and is accustomed to being treated with admiration. This shows how extreme Genji’s pride is and his point of view that he can do no wrong.

Why do you think Genji’s father-in-law is willing to ignore Genji’s mistreatement of his daughter?

The poem “Thoughts While Traveling at Night” by Wang Zhaojun is similar to the song “Travel” by Atmosphere. These two pieces are similar in that they both describe traveling a distance and utilize nature as a marker of progress. In the song by Atmosphere, the singer uses various landmarks and geographical indicators that are unique to different states to detail the travel. Wang Zhaohjun uses a very similar technique, particularly when describing “the fine grass,” “the vast plain,” and the “Great River.” These descriptions are analogous to Atmosphere’s description of “fruited plains,” “earth quakes of the west coast,” and the “gardens of Baltimore.” In both instances, the authors utilize imagery to assist the reader in relating to the travel which they are describing and to indicate motion. Also, the authors both describe their travels as “drifting.” I did not get the sense that the traveling was very purposeful, it seems as though they are traveling without regard to any specific goal or outcome. The language used in both pieces is also very dreary. It is obvious that that the authors are not very enthusiastic. They seem to be very passive in their travels and willing to take any path that presents itself, rather than a planned out trip with the intentions of going somewhere in particular.

In response to Steven’s post connecting “Question and Answer in the Mountains” to Cudi Zone by Kid Cudi, I agree that both pieces seem to be very peaceful and carefree. I get a very calm feeling while both reading the poem and listening to the song. I think that Steven made a very good connection and I agree that both pieces induce a feeling a calmness, especially the two lines, “my heart is at ease” in the poem and “Im feeling alright” in the song. These two lines represent the tone of both pieces very well.

Travel by Atmosphere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSAlAfW73Lw

Hey,

My name is Jesse Rigos. I am currently a second semester senior, this will be my final class before I graduate. I am a Weissman student, majoring in psychology. Currently, my favorite book is Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson. This book details a unique approach to achieving personal goals using Eastern Asian and Native American philosophy. Other interests of mine include playing soccer, running and spending time with friends and family.

Regarding Paul Jay’s text, I was confused by how the globalization of literary studies would pose a threat to the already transnationalized fields of comparative literature. I do not understand why it is necessary to make a distinction between the two. It would make sense that “literary studies” is a general term that is all encompassing and thus does not threaten the more specific field of comparative literature.