Rescue or Rape, Genji or Murasaki: The Role of Gender Relations and the Unsung Heroines of the Genji Monogatari.

Written early in the 11th century, the Tale of Genji is considered to be the world\u27s first novel. Women\u27s issues and relationships between men and women are central themes in the tale. In fact, in the last couple decades some critics have come to see the women of the Genji Monogatari as the novel\u27s intended focus rather than Genji himself. Through Genji, the reader is able to experience the sad, interconnected fates of a host of women and thereby share in their trials and tribulations