You are likely referring to "The Pillow Book" (, Makura no Sōshi), a classic Japanese book written by Sei Shōnagon, a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Teishi, in the 10th century. The book is a collection of essays, anecdotes, and observations on life, love, and Japanese culture.
"Someone has suddenly fallen ill and one summons the exorcist... the exorcist finally arrives... hardly has he installed himself and begun praying when his voice becomes drowsy. Oh, how hateful!"
If you have ever been irrationally annoyed by a person who laughs too loudly in a quiet room, or a letter that arrives with no reply, congratulations: You share a soul with a Japanese courtier from the year 1002. hateful things sei shonagon pdf
I can tailor a specific literary breakdown or citation guide to match your needs.
Even the physical world could offend Shonagon’s refined sensibilities: You are likely referring to "The Pillow Book"
"A person who recites a poem with great feeling and then asks you what you think of it."
A dog that barks incessantly just as you are trying to fall asleep or when a secret lover is trying to sneak into your room. the exorcist finally arrives
"One is in a hurry to leave, but one's visitor keeps chattering away. If it is someone of no importance, one can get rid of him by saying, 'You must tell me all about it next time'; but, should it be the sort of visitor whose presence commands one's best behavior, the situation is hateful indeed."
In this society, a person's worth was judged entirely by their taste, poetic skill, and mastery of ritual. What Shōnagon labels as "hateful" or "detestable" ( nikuki ) is rarely a matter of objective moral evil. Instead, her anger targets breaches of social decorum, aesthetic clumsiness, lack of empathy, and situational awkwardness. Key Themes in "Hateful Things"