Throughout our society, women were always treated as lower being, compared to men although they had heavy duties such as caring for children and preparing food. However, contrary to common belief, women were important contributors to the culture of Japan, especially court life during the Heian Period. In Kagero Diary, Michitsuna’s Mother’s intention appears to be to tell readers her view of life as an aristocratic woman, and realistic view of Heian court powerfully demonstrates how the role of women impacted Japanese society. In a sense, her diary is her protest against the marriage system and disclosure.
At the beginning of the Diary, Michitsuna’s mother mentions that she intends the Diary to be read by other people, which hints that she
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During the Heian period, women were completely hidden from the outer world even from their own family. They were separated and isolated physically by living in a different, private spaces in the same house, which certainly limited their freedom of movement and experience. Women were subjects of male dominance throughout their lives, obliged to husbands, and forced to wait patiently for their husband’s return. The fact that Michitsuna’s mother complains about her loneliness shows that she wants equality with her husband. For instance, she writes, "My own loneliness was so acute that I could think of nothing but retiring as a nun to some moor or mountain" (McCullough 136). It seems that Michitsuna's mother reached a point, to forget everything and to want to become a nun. In fact, Michitsuna’s mother chooses not to have her husband visit him when she was displeased with his behavior and lack of visits. She says, “Though I grieved to see even the lower leaves turn, I am far more wretched now that all the foliage has encountered autumn’s touch” (McCullough 113). Her answer shows that she refused to allow Kaneie’s visit, demonstrating that women could also choose between the men who courted them and accept only the ones who interested them as