Sei Shōnagon

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/sei-shnagon

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Sei Shōnagon born?Circa 966 AD
2. When did Sei Shōnagon die?Circa 1017 or 1025 AD
3. Where was Sei Shōnagon born?Japan
4. Who was Sei Shōnagon?Sei Shōnagon was a lady-in-waiting to Empress Teishi in ancient Japan, born around 966 AD. She lived during the Heian period, a time of beautiful court culture.
5. What is "The Pillow Book" and why is it special?"The Pillow Book" is a collection of lists, stories, and observations about court life and nature. It is special because it uses a free, flowing style that lets the writer’s thoughts jump from one idea to another.

Heian Period: An era in Japanese history (794-1185) renowned for its advanced court culture, aesthetics, and literary achievements.
Zuihitsu: A Japanese literary genre of loosely connected essays, often personal and observational, translating to 'following the brush'.
Lady-in-waiting: A female attendant to a queen or empress, typically serving within the royal household.
Imperial Court: The retinue and residence of an emperor or empress, serving as the center of government and culture.