Introduction
For example, in Chapter 45, Sei Shonagon writes about the "inferior" people who live in the eastern provinces of Japan, describing them as " rustic and boorish" and implying that they are unworthy of respect. Similarly, in Chapter 82, she ridicules the Buddhist priests of her time, calling them " greedy and corrupt" and accusing them of prioritizing wealth and status over spiritual pursuits. hateful things sei shonagon pdf
Hypocrisy and Pretense: Shōnagon detests those who "envy others and complain about one's own lot" while acting inquisitive about trivial matters to gossip later. Introduction For example, in Chapter 45, Sei Shonagon
Each hateful thing is a micro-violation of miyabi (courtly refinement). Miyabi meant not just beauty but absence of roughness—emotional, physical, and social smoothness. A gap in a mosquito net is hateful not because mosquitoes bite, but because the net’s purpose (enclosure) has been defeated by a tiny, visible flaw. Similarly, a person who talks too loudly or sneezes thunderously introduces roughness into the polished surface of court life. Each hateful thing is a micro-violation of miyabi
Shōnagon’s list remains relatable today because it focuses on universal human annoyances: Hateful Things - Basic Income
If you're interested in reading "The Pillow Book" or the specific section on "Hateful Things," you can find various online versions, including PDFs, through digital libraries, online archives, or e-book platforms. Some popular sources include:
The Dark Side of Heian Japan: Exploring Hateful Things in Sei Shonagon's "The Pillow Book"