To use this particular diary as historical evidence for some position, you must plan and focus. To help you learn to do this, we've assigned a particular theme, role of women. As you read and take notes, watch for evidence which indicates her place in society. What do you learn about aristocratic life in Japan from her diary? About the position of women in general in Japanese society? Does it surprise you that she seems to have a measure of freedom in deciding where she will live as she gets older? Why? How about her literacy? Remember that when this diary was written, Tale of the Genji had barely been completed, and yet, this young girl is both aware of its existence and craving a copy. Contrast her position with the position of her nurse, left early on in the story to die.
Another important element is background information. This young lady did not exist in a vacuum, but in a particular place and time. What do you know about her place and time? If the Heian period in Japan is a bit foggy for you, take some time to review the background information. Find out what her world was like, at least in a general sense.
After you've read and thought about this diary, review your notes. What statements can you make about her particular experience in her home? The court? In Japan? Who seems to determine her social fate? Her religious fate? How universal are her experiences, in your opinion? You must remember that you are writing a paper about ONE woman's life, not about 11th century life in general. You can talk about what you learned of aristocratic women, or about Japanese history, but include these observations in your conclusion and tie them directly to your evidence from the diary. Ready? Go to the Link Collection.
For writing and research helps, visit W.W. Norton's Webworks.