Chapter 18 Summary

Genji refurbishes a mansion in Miyako so that the Akashi lady will find a welcoming and comfortable home. When the Akashi lady finally arrives with her child, she feels perfectly at home at the palace. It is remarkably similar to her old home and it is secluded enough that she will not be thrown into the bustle of life in the city.

Meanwhile, Murasaki grows ever more jealous of Genji's relationship with the Akashi lady. Genji is spending significantly more time with her than he is spending with Murasaki, making her wonder when Genji will leave her.

Genji, meanwhile, ponders the future of his daughter. He wants her to grow up to be an imperial consort, so he must teach her all the proper graces of a woman. Therefore he takes it into his head to have Murasaki raise the child.

Chapter 18 Analysis