Makot is a young Japanese boy who goes to school with our narrator Kiyoshi. He is not well liked by other kids his age and because of that hangs out with young children who don’t know any better. He treats them well and buys them candy to earn their trust and their friendship. He is manipulative and bribes the younger boys when things don’t go his way. I can’t say that I feel sorry for him because it is his choice to be like that but at the same time I think he gets his attitude from his father. In the story, Kiyoshi talks about how Makot’s father drives around all day long in his Model T and does not go to work. I think this affects Makot because he uses other people to do his dirty work and then comes out looking squeaky clean when the ax falls.
Makot copes with his parents by taking their handouts of money and leaving. They use money as a poor show of affection towards him, figuring that he can go elsewhere and get the attention he needs. He does not want any of his friends to come around when his parents are home but uses them to supply his friends with good food when they are gone. He acts like he has a great life and shows off to his friends, but in reality he needs the attention and affection that he can’t get at home.
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteYour post has me thinking about the way money is used in this text and the relationship between parents and their children. I've always found it curious that Murayama begins this novel with Makot, especially since Makot is only in this first part. I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks about the function Makot serves in the telling of this story, especially after we complete the novel.
Lauren
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteThis is kind of like a chain, Makot father and mother is treating Makot like Mokot treats his friends. The Parents are buying Makot relationship like how Makot is buying Kiyoshi and his friends friendship. I really like your ending about him trying to show off to his friends, but what he really needs attention and affection from his parents. Nice Writing.
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteI agree that Makot really needs affection and attention which he doesn't get at home. That's a reason why he acts out. He goes to get attention with the younger kids but he uses money to get it, which in the long run probably doesn't work out.
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteI really liked what you had to say about Makot, and the ideas you had as to why he behavied the way he did, I think you were spot on with youur observation. It makes so much scence that by Makots parents trying to by his love would only reflect on to him and make him use the inocent childern to his addvantage. you put it in to prespective for me he is a rich kid amoungst many poor kids.
thanks
Hi Dustin
ReplyDeleteI didn't feel sorry for Makot either. Maybe he will take after his father, or maybe he will learn from his situation. I didn't even think that he really cared if he got caught or not because he is already living the life he is. Maybe he doesn't have as much self worth because of what the other kids say, but with some people they can thrive through adversity. I hope this is the case with Makot.