The shining Genji: it was almost too grand a name. Yet he did not escape criticism for numerous little adventures. It seemed indeed that his indiscretions might give him a name for frivolity, and he did what he could to hide them. But his most secret affairs (such is the malicious work of the gossips) became common talk. If, on the other hand, he were to go through life concerned only for his name and avoid all these interesting and amusing little affairs, then he would be laughed to shame by the likes of the lieutenant of Katano. The Broom Tree: Page 34)
This passage explains something essential about The Tale of Genji and how people respond to the protagonist and the kind of reputation he is trying to uphold. The name Genji is known by, Hikaru, which means “shining,” is indicative of his unusual qualities. Because of his handsome appearance and uncommon charisma, people are naturally drawn to him and women are strongly attracted to him. His name, while fitting, also causes certain difficulties. “…it was almost too grand a name” suggests someone destined for great things. This puts a certain pressure on Genji to live up to his name. It also leaves him open to criticism when he engages in “numerous little adventures,” referring to his affairs with various women.
This passage also reveals that Genji’s many affairs were common knowledge. Even affairs he wants to keep secret are exposed because of “the malicious work of the gossips.” This phrase seems intent on making the reader sympathetic go Genji, as it doesn’t criticize him for his actions but the people who gossip about him. There is also the fact that Genji actually wants to maintain his reputation as a lover in certain circles. He clearly does not want to be seen as a cautious individual “concerned only for his name.” This is made obvious by the quote that if he were to “avoid all these interesting and amusing little affairs, then he would be laughed to shame by the likes of the lieutenant of Katano.”
Genji is a complicated character who is trying to accomplish at least two different things, which are in some ways contradictory. On the one hand, he tries to be discrete about some of his affairs as “his indiscretions might give him a name for frivolity, and he did what he could to hide them.” Yet, since he also wants to be respected by reckless men such as the lieutenant of Katano. So, while Genji wants to have the public image of someone who is noble and “shining,” he also likes to be considered a kind of rogue in certain circles. How he wants to be perceived depends on the company he is keeping at the moment.
Since Genji has ambitions to improve his station in life, he wants to be taken seriously. At the same time, he enjoys having fun and pursuing women, and he doesn’t want to ignore this side of his nature. This passage reflects his attempts to find a balance between these two sides of his personality.
