“The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon” is a major Japanese text that is written in the form of diary entries. This text is written based on the thoughts of Sei Shonagon as she is criticizing the people around her. However, she does not desire for her thoughts to be made public. Sei Shonagon clearly states that “much of [her text] might appear malicious and even harmful to other people.” (B, 258) Sei Shonagon is expressing her feeling by writing, but fears others will read her writing. She is in constant fear of having her writings found and read.
The New York Times released an article on November 7, 2010 called “For Afghan Wives, a Desperate, Fiery Way Out.” This article is about the practice of honor killing in Afghanistan. Honor Killing is the practice of killing oneself in order to preserve the honor of their family. In Afghanistan, the act of lighting oneself on fire is very easy because what is needed is readily accessible. Wives in Afghanistan are constantly expressing their feeling of discontent and oppression through the act of suicide. A woman who tries to commit suicide, Farzana states that “I felt so sad and such pain in my heart and I felt very angry at my husband and my father- and mother-in-law, and then I took the matches and lit myself.” (New York Times)
Sei Shonagon express herself by privately writing down her thoughts. Farzana express herself by engaging in an act that would end her life. Although these two women express themselves differently, this difference is also their similarity. Both Sei Shonagon and Farzana are releasing their frustration about what they see and feel. Sei Shonagon writes down what she feels is “depressing” and “hateful.” Farzana’s act of suicide reflects her frustration with her life.
Wu, “The Pillow Book” is not a Chinese text. It is a Japanese text.
In fact such a work by a woman could only come into existence, as we discussed extensively in class, because of the power relationship between the Chinese and Japanese languages in medieval Japan.
Please pay attention.