How does the final part of The Tale of Genji differ in tone from the earlier sections?

In Japanese literature, the tone of The Tale of Genji undergoes a notable shift as the narrative progresses. While the earlier sections of the masterpiece by Murasaki Shikibu focus on the romantic pursuits and courtly life of the protagonist, Prince Genji, the work gradually adopts a darker tone.12

This transition reflects a deepening of the author's Buddhist conviction regarding the transience and vanity of the world. As the story moves beyond Genji’s life and into his legacy, the narrative increasingly emphasizes the impermanence of human emotions and the fleeting nature of existence. Some scholars have noted this thematic evolution, though it is worth mentioning that some critics have historically speculated that the final 14 chapters may have been written by a different author.12