Sei Shonagon Thesis

280 Words2 Pages
The story of Sei Shonagon, a new lady in waiting for the Empress, tells of a shy girl’s thoughts while adjusting to a new environment. Within the chapter, “When I first went into waiting,” in the, “Pillow Book,” a day in the lives of the privilege is revealed. Shonagon, new to the lifestyle, expresses thoughts of anxiety, embarrassment and joy. She is unsure of herself however; she is envious of the confidence radiating from the Empress and the other ladies in waiting. Her view points are visions into a past world that is rarely exposed. The royals are seen as light hearted, kind, and sharing. The Empress’s empathizes with Shonagon a number of times. Her Majesty commands the servant to, “leave the lattice as it is,” (28) because she knowns