Torikaebaya Monogatari or Confusion

The novel "Confusion" ("Torikaebaya Monogatari") was written by an unknown author in the 12th century, at the end of the Heian period (9th–12th centuries). Japanese literature of that time is represented by several genres, among which the monogatari genre is characterized by maximum creative freedom of the author. Heian literature was not interested in political turmoil; it focused on love and aesthetic experiences. The action of the novel takes place at the imperial court. The plot begins with the birth in a noble family of a brother and sister who look like two peas in a pod. According to the laws of plot construction, this leads to a convoluted story with cross-dressing, role reversals, lack of recognition, and absurd situations. The pages of the book are filled with poetry and music — essential elements of the life of the high Heian society. It is a novel about compassion and cruelty, about devoted love and betrayal.