Kiyoshi's mother is very ill and he's bothered by the fact that no one has told Obaban about his mother. He believes that if she were aware of what was going on, she would visit. She is a kind person and has always cared about Kiyoshi's mother. He decides to go pick her up and they begin to talk about his mother being sick and about how "she believes she's being punished as somebody else's substitute"(Murayama 20). Obaban then informs Kiyoshi that if she could also find a substitute, then she could liberate herself and become healthy again.
When Obaban visits she's in the room alone with Mama. Kiyoshi can hear humming and chanting coming from the room because they're praying. When Obaban is leaving, Mama keeps reapeating, "Sorry to cause you so much trouble" (Murayama 21). By saying this, she's hinting that Obaban is going to do something very important for her. Kiyoshi becomes sure of this when something occurs to Obaban. She has a stroke shortly after visiting and ends up passing away. It's interesting what Kiyohi's initial reaction is when he hears about the stroke.
He's relieved to hear the news because he's certain that Obaban is his mom's substitute. This means that his mom is going to get better and he wants this more than anything. It's a little bit selfish of his part, but he is young and it must cause him a lot pain to even think about having to carry on without his mother. Which is why when he hears about Obaban he feels glad on a certain level, but at the same time he's upset that she's passed. Mama does begin to feel better after the incident so that confirms that Obaban did become Mama's substitute.
Hi Sarahi,
ReplyDeleteWe can see Kiyo's conflicted emotions in this chapter. He's simultaneously elated that his mother is alive due to a substitute, while mourning for Obaban.
After reading your post, I wonder if Obaban is aware of this superstition and whether, if it were up to her, she'd willingly be the substitute.
Thanks for your ideas.
Take care,
Lauren
Hi Sarahi,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read the different emotions Kiyoshi was feeling after Obaban's death. He was feeling sad Obaban died, but at the same time very happy his mother was not the person who had to fulfill the "retribution" superstition.
The text made me wonder if Obaban sacrificed herself for Kiyoshi's mother. She possibly blocked Kiyoshi's mother from the "bachi" with a charm and prayer, all the while knowing the "bachi" would hit her instead.
Thank you,
Sarah Baker
I know that if it were my mom I would want my grandmother to know. I think that he wanted some hope and bringing Obaban to Kiyoshis house was something that was gonna reassure Kiyoshi that everything will be alright.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insights.
-Callie