The passage reveals that having the emperor’s attention was important for members of the imperial court. This is evident from how the other ladies of the court reacted with resentment and unkindness towards the lady who received the emperor's affection. Their behavior indicates that status and favor from the emperor were significant within the court's social dynamics.
Read the passage.
Long ago in the Imperial Court, the emperor fell in love with a certain lady. She was not of a high rank, nor was she of a low rank. The emperor lavished her with much attention, causing other ladies of the court to say hurtful things about her and treat her poorly. These ladies resented her presence in the court and made her feel very unwelcome. Their unkindness caused her to become ill, which in turn kept her at home and away from the court and the emperor. But the emperor’s affection for her only grew and gave him courage to pursue his love despite what others thought.
–Adapted from The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
What does the passage reveal about life in the imperial court?
Members of the imperial court were kind toward one another.
People of low rank were not allowed to be part of the imperial court.
The emperor did not listen to the advice of members of the imperial court.
Having the emperor’s attention was important for members of the imperial court.
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1 answer