Final answer:
Yes, it is true that vernacular Japanese literature was generally associated with the feminine sphere, as noted by the Norton editors. Women played a significant role in the development of this literature, particularly during the Heian period, with works like Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji serving as prime examples.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Norton editors, in general, vernacular Japanese literature was associated with the feminine sphere. This is indeed true. During the Heian period in Japan, which lasted from the eighth to twelfth centuries, there was a blossoming of arts and culture, particularly in the realm of poetry and literature. Women of the court, such as the notable Murasaki Shikibu who wrote The Tale of Genji, were prominent contributors to this cultural development. The creation of Hiragana, a distinctly Japanese script, provided an avenue for the expression of the Japanese language in a way that Chinese characters could not. This script became closely associated with women's writing and was employed in works that documented court life, personal diaries, and literature.
Furthermore, during this time, gender roles became more defined and the arts, including literature, were often divided along gender lines. Male scholars typically used Chinese script, while the use of Kana scripts was popular among women. The Tale of Genji, composed in this period, greatly illustrates this association of vernacular literature with the feminine sphere. Murasaki Shikibu's work is often celebrated as a valuable insight into the life of the Heian aristocracy and stands as a testament to the literary contributions of women during a time when their societal roles were generally constrained.