What is the importance of the body in the book?
In Asian cultures and the Buddhist religion, there are few sacred things that should never be taken for granted. The Body is a very important tool and in Japanese culture, the children’s ability to work is put to use for repayment of their families. In the book we are told different stories of how children are used to repay their parents. Ashan told a story about how he was given to a carpenter on the island when he was only ten and how the carpenter worked him very hard but made him the best carpenter on the island. He never got paid a cent for it but he learned everything there was to learn about being a carpenter and how to work hard to support his family.
Ashan also talks about how Kiyoshi’s mother was forced to work all day long seven days a week by Obaban but never once complained about it. We also see that Kiyoshi’s parents are very deep in debt because they have been paying money back to their family since the first got married. They promised their families that they would send them money and they have been sending money for so long that they have been borrowing money to keep their family fed. The body is a tool to make money and bring fortune to your family and you have to take care of it because without your health you are useless.
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteRepaying one's parents is theme in this book. In Mr. and Mrs. Oyama's experience, we see the cycle they're put into as the result of having to repay Mr. Oyama's parents. Because Mrs. and Mr. Oyama's money went to Mr. Oyama's parents, they are in debt; now, they'll require their children to repay them, as a means to pay off that debt. This repayment is the argument and source of tension Toshio will have with his parents in the next section. Also, Obaban is like Kiyo's grandma, but she isn't.
Lauren
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your writing. I thought you made some excellent points. The last sentence is very good. Your body is a tool, whether it be your brain, your heart or your limbs. It is needed to make money and bring fortune to the family. Thanks. Barb
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI like how you explain how the body is a tool. The way that this family repays their debt is by using the tools that they have, thier bodies. The family has a problem in keeping their tools in shape, with the lack of health care the body starts to suffer, and eventually fail.
thanks for the read
Hi Dustin,
ReplyDeleteIn my family, my brothers and I were raised in a similar matter. We are not forced to “repay” my parents; however, we try to help them with the house expenses and chores. I believe that’s something that most families try to do; perhaps, because I’ve been raised that way is that I believe that’s the right thing to do, to help your folks now that you can.
Estela