The Pillow Book Essay

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The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon and the Essays in Idleness by Yoshida Kenko are two of the most well written pieces of Japanese Literature. Written three centuries after The Pillow Book, The Essays in Idleness references Shonagon, as well as her writing style. Both authors discuss their observations regarding the court life, opinions on nobles, and any other things that they have witnessed. Both books are a great representation of their time periods.
Being a Buddhist monk during a time driven by war and power hungry warriors (Tokugawa Period), Yoshida Kenko’s novel Essays in Idleness illustrates his thoughts and feelings regarding the world around him. During the time of the zuihitsu, Japan’s court was collapsing, which caused it to lose its cultural and political influence. His book offers important insight on the transition period …show more content…
The most precious thing in life is its uncertainty.” Kenko is showing his appreciation for the uncertain nature of things, and explains that nothing lasts forever. Through this, Kenko is conveying the message that one should appreciate all of the things one possesses. The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon was written during the Heian Period, a time of great advancement in literature, as well as peace and beauty. Shonagon’s novel reflects the Heian period through writing free of thought. At the time, Shonagon’s literature was becoming important since it gave people the ability to see society through a woman’s perspective. Though the Pillow Book is similar to the Essays in Idleness, it differs in a few ways. Like the Essays in Idleness, Shonagon’s book serves as an account for all of the things occurring around her, but it lacks the depth that Kenko’s book has. However, for what she lacks in depth, she makes up with her quick wit and occasional mean spiritedness

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