The Inclusion Of Honor In Chapter 116 Shikibu's Genji

When these men have a mindful lady at their side, the marriage is happier for the both parties. Ferdinand is telling Miranda how much he loves and respects her “I, beyond all limit of what else i' th' world, do love, prize, honor you” (Shakespeare, 3.1.85-88). The inclusion of honor in this sentence shows that not only is Miranda good because she is pretty, but also because she is skillful and intelligent. This is something Ferdinand really likes and wants in his woman, and that makes him content with the marriage; meanwhile, Miranda feels loved for her traits and valued for her brains, making her happy to be in the marriage as well. On page 116 Shikibu writes about Genji, a seventeen-year-old girl-crazy boy agreeing to stay faithful to one …show more content…
In these texts many men work at factories or on farms, which is important work but does not require much mental thought. These men would be annoyed if their wife constantly tried to bother them with deep questions and board games. Next, the wife would also become bored that she cannot express and use her mind the way she can, that her husband would prefer her to stay at home to cook, clean, and care for the children instead of educating herself or problem solving. On the other hand, a king would not be satisfied with a woman whom cannot keep up a good conversation or understand the enormous pressure that he is put under. Without his wife to keep him sharp and interested, he may get mentally rusty and his decision-making will be hindered because of it; this is bad for everyone, which is why these men are encouraged from a young age to look for classy, intelligent women. Growing up with his mother likely meeting the criteria as she married a king, and being taught and brought up around women with potential. He already has servants that can cook and help with the children, he yearns for someone to keep him company and compete with his level of thinking. A ruler does not want someone who will constantly just agree with him on every matter, he enjoys the competition and further validation that a little competition can give him, such when Miranda corrected Ferdinand during their game of chess; it only made him love her more and realize that she understands his struggles. The wife in this case would not feel cherished and incapable of making the king happy or bringing use; if her only skills are housework which is already done for the couple in the castle, she would not know what to do with herself. This conflict of interests would not go over well for the long-term marriage in these cases. As mentioned in The Treasure in