The first haircut
An important moment for Genji is the ceremony which takes place when he turns 11 years old and which marks his transition into adulthood. During the ceremony, Genji’s hair is cut for the first time while everyone stands by and watches. The first haircut is an important element here and is used as a metaphor for adulthood.
The sun
Genji is often compared with the sun when his beauty is described in the novel. It quickly becomes apparent that the young boy does not only possess physical beauty but is extremely intelligent as well. The comparison between Genji and the sun is an important one here because it has the purpose of transmitting the idea that the young man is an extremely talented one and the person who should rule the country in case his father dies.
Metaphor for respect
When the action takes place outside of the Imperial court, the characters involved in the action always end up sending a present for the Emperor. These presents can be symbolic ones or even extremely expensive ones and every character feels the need to send them. The presents are an important element here and they are used as a symbol to represent the respect with which the Emperor was treated.
Metaphor for stability
All the women at the court are interested in only one thing - producing a healthy son for the Emperor. When a woman had a son, her status at court became almost instantly more prestigious and she became more secure in her role as a mother to a possible Emperor or important prince. Because of this, the act of having a son is used in the novel as a metaphor for stability.
The closest chambers
In an effort to protect Lady of the Paulownia Court, the Emperor moves her to a room close to his own living quarters. This move is made after the young lady is locked in a room by other jealous concubines and the intention was to protect her. The room or rather its close proximity to that of the Emperor’s is used here as a metaphor to represent Lady of the Paulownia Court’s status and the love the Emperor had for her.
