The Pillow Book

by

Sei Shonagon

Norimitsu Character Analysis

Norimitsu is believed to have been Sei’s husband for a short time, though they are not married during the events depicted in The Pillow Book. Though he and Sei occasionally cross paths around the palace grounds, Sei has little to say about him except that he has little poetic sensibility, which eventually contributes to a falling-out between the two.
Get the entire The Pillow Book LitChart as a printable PDF.
The Pillow Book PDF

Norimitsu Character Timeline in The Pillow Book

The timeline below shows where the character Norimitsu appears in The Pillow Book. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Sections 72–77
Poetry and Social Relationships Theme Icon
Romance and Official Duty Theme Icon
Just as Sei is reflecting on her “dreadful” new nickname, Norimitsu arrives. He breathlessly repeats the whole story, grateful that Sei gave such a clever response... (full context)
Sections 78–82
Poetry and Social Relationships Theme Icon
Romance and Official Duty Theme Icon
...bothered by this, since she’s “not exactly renowned for [her] modesty and prudence.” One day, Norimitsu comes visiting and says that the Captain Consultant has been demanding to know Sei’s whereabouts,... (full context)