The World’s First Novel: The Tale of Genji
EDUCATION
1/16/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you enjoy reading fiction?
Have you ever read a very old book?
Do you think literature changes how people think?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
aristocratic – related to the highest social class
Example: The palace was once an aristocratic residence.
theme – the main idea of a book or story
Example: Love is a major theme in the novel.
court – people surrounding a king or queen
Example: Writers in the court recorded daily life.
legacy – something important left behind
Example: The book’s legacy continues today.
perspective – a particular way of thinking
Example: The story offers a female perspective.
Developed (B2–C2)
bureaucrat – a government official
Example: Her father worked as a bureaucrat.
historical context – background of a time period
Example: Understanding the historical context is essential.
literary innovation – a new way of writing
Example: The novel was a literary innovation.
narrative depth – complexity in storytelling
Example: The book has remarkable narrative depth.
cultural insight – understanding of a society
Example: The novel provides rich cultural insight.
READING
Introduction
This article explores why The Tale of Genji, written over 1,000 years ago, is considered the world’s first novel and why its legacy still matters today.
Article (All Levels)
The Tale of Genji tells the story of Prince Genji and life in Japan’s Heian period. While Genji is fictional, the novel describes aristocratic life in great detail.
Art, romance, and relationships are central themes, giving readers insight into life at the imperial court.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Written by Murasaki Shikibu, a woman living within the imperial court, the novel reflects deep cultural insight and emotional complexity. Her position allowed her to write with realism and narrative depth.
Because many female voices were excluded from history, the novel’s strong female perspective was groundbreaking. Its legacy shaped literature centuries before similar developments in Western fiction.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
A1–A2
Is Prince Genji a real person?
Does the story describe court life?
Is the novel very old?
B1–B2
Why is the novel considered the first of its kind?
How did the author’s life influence the story?
What themes appear in the book?
C1–C2
Why is the female perspective historically important?
How does the novel reflect its historical context?
Why does the book still matter today?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“I like ___.”
“I find ___ interesting.”
Personal Questions
Do you like reading novels?
Do you prefer modern books?
Do old books seem difficult?
Do stories teach lessons?
Do you enjoy love stories?
Do books help you relax?
Do you read often?
Do you like history?
Do stories reflect real life?
Do you read fiction or nonfiction?
Do books influence opinions?
Do you like long books?
Do characters matter to you?
Do you reread books?
Do you think books last forever?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Answer + reason + details.
Personal Questions
Why do people still read classic literature?
How does historical context affect understanding?
Why are themes important in novels?
Do older books feel relevant today?
How do stories shape culture?
Should schools teach classic novels?
Why do perspectives matter in writing?
Can fiction reflect real emotions?
How do books preserve history?
Do authors influence society?
Why do some books age well?
Can literature change opinions?
How do you choose books?
Why do some novels feel timeless?
Should literature be entertaining or educational?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use examples, reasoning, and reflection.
Personal Questions
Why is The Tale of Genji considered a literary milestone?
How does gender influence narrative perspective?
Should historical literature be reinterpreted today?
How does culture shape storytelling traditions?
Can fiction document social realities better than history?
Why do some works gain lasting legacy?
How should modern readers approach ancient texts?
Is emotional depth more important than plot?
How does literature reflect power structures?
Should literary value change over time?
Can old stories address modern issues?
How does authorship affect interpretation?
Is innovation more important than popularity?
How do classics influence modern writing?
What makes a novel truly timeless?
