1) Discuss the phenomena of illusion and reality as found, for example, in Du Fu's "Song of a Painting," "Song of Unending Sorrow," and the "Story of Miss Li". How do the respective authors represent this theme--be specific in your analysis? Also, what might the importance of this theme in these works tell us about Chinese worldviews of the late Han and Tang Dynasties?
2) In the Tale of Genji, what constitutes a "good" lover? What does young Murasaki see as good behavior in a man? In woman? Be very specific in your use of text and analysis.
3) The young Murasaki first impresses Genji as a "substitute for that other one" (89). Who is the other one? Does Genji regard women as interchangeable? Why or why not? What does Genji's desire to "substitute" indicate about the role of memory and personal experience in forming romantic attachments? Be specific in your use of text and analysis.
4) Discuss the similarities and differences between medieval Chinese and Japanese aesthetics? How does each society employ a distinctive Buddhist aesthetic? What are some of the other more culture-specific aesthetic principles that each society draws upon? Be very specific in formulating and providing evidence for your discussion.