Obasan by Joy Kogawa uses the weight of historical injustices to provide a great example of how individuals live through war. The protagonist, Naomi, deals with the trauma of internment and the loss of her mother. Initially, this may have felt burdensome, but as the story progresses, the subtle details and insights of Kogawa’s writing become apparent.
One compelling piece of evidence is the unique characterization within the novel. Characters like Aunt Emily, seemingly rigid and stern initially, gradually reveal layers of resilience and quiet rebellion against the injustice imposed upon Japanese-Canadians. Aunt Emily’s defiance, particularly in her determination to preserve the truth and resist forgetting the past, adds a layer of strength to the narrative that might not be immediately evident in the story’s beginning.
Moreover, Kogawa’s exploration of cultural identity becomes increasingly profound as the narrative progresses. The interplay between Naomi’s Japanese heritage and her Canadian upbringing is portrayed with delicacy. Scenes that may have felt unfamiliar or impartial initially, such as the memories of Obasan’s silence. This helps the story gain significance as the novel unfolds. The cultural practices of each character are not presented in isolation, but rather woven into the fabric of the characters’ lives, enriching the narrative with a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity.
Additionally, the narrative structure itself contributes to the evolving appreciation of the novel. The fragmented and casual storytelling, mirroring the fractured memories of the characters, may have initially posed a challenge. However, as the reader becomes accustomed to this narrative style, it becomes a poignant reflection of the characters’ fractured lives and the impact of historical trauma.
In retrospect, the initial discomfort I experienced as a reader was a testament to the novel’s power to provoke thought and emotional response. The evidence within “Obasan” demonstrates that the challenges posed by the narrative are intentional and contribute to a more profound and interesting reading experience. As the layers of the story unfold, so too does the depth of its impact, leaving a noteworthy impact on the reader’s consciousness. This evolution of understanding and appreciation is why, ultimately, I find myself liking “Obasan” more than when I first embarked on this literary journey.
In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Plato describes a group of individuals chained in a cave, facing a wall. They have been there since birth and are oblivious to the world outside the cave. Behind them is a fire, and between the fire and the prisoners, objects are moved, casting shadows on the cave wall. Due to their restrictions, the prisoners perceive these shadows as reality because they have never seen the outside factors/objects causing them to appear. The core message of Plato’s allegory underscores the notion that our perception of reality is often limited and distorted by our beliefs, experiences, and the information we receive. True understanding, according to Plato, is attained by breaking free from these constraints, turning towards the light (representative of knowledge and enlightenment), and facing the external world, thereby transcending the illusions of the cave.
As for myself, several years ago, I found myself entangled in a routine that I refused to change, and I didn’t know there were exciting things waiting for me outside of it. It’s like I was in a mental cave because I was scared and unsure of trying new things. In other words, I didn’t realize how much I was missing. I spent countless hours gratifying myself with video games and television, constantly reminding myself that this is what made me comfortable. However, One day, my family had been invited to travel to a different country. And to say the least, it was like stepping into a world of color. At first, I was unsure about going because I knew that everything was going to be so different. But a family friend encouraged me to take a chance. When I arrived at the new place, it was like a light had been turned on. Everything was exciting and different. I got to try new foods, and experience new activities. Every day brought something new, and I felt like I was learning and growing. Just like in the story, it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, I wanted to go back to my old, safe routine as a result of being homesick. But I kept going because I loved the adventure of learning and trying new things. And in the end, my journey was a lot like the message in the story of the cave and Pleasantville. It taught me that learning new things and trying new experiences can make life so much more exciting and interesting. Just like the characters in the movie, I found that going from not knowing much to understanding more about the world is an amazing journey.
