How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
We do not talk. His hands cup my face. I wrap my arms around his neck. The button of his pajama top presses into my cheek. I can feel his heart's steady thump thump thump. [...] There is no sound in the house except the satisfied "Aah'" that Uncle makes after he has swallowed a hot drink, and the scrape scrape of Obasan's knife buttering the toast. (24.31)
If this were a scene in a movie, it would probably have some kind of dramatic music in the background. But instead Kogawa mutes the sound, and we can only see what's going on. What effect does that have on your understanding of this scene? How would it be different if Naomi were screaming excitedly or saying I love you?
Quote #8
Some of the ripe pidgin English phrases we pick up are three-part inventions—part English, part Japanese, part Sasquatch. "Sonuva bitch" becomes ''sakana fish", "sakana" meaning "fish" in Japanese. On occasion the phrase is "golden sakana fish." (33.42)
The third generation Japanese Canadians are very inventive with their use of language. It seems that every generation in the novel has their own approach to language. The first generation is silent. The second-generation is obsessed with accurate language, and the third-generation isn't bound by one culture or another. They mix all of their cultures together, making new words with new meanings. Pretty cool.
Quote #9
"If these matters are sent away in this letter, perhaps they will depart a little from our souls," she writes. "For the burden of these words, forgive me." (37.16)
Why do you think Grandma Kato sends the letter? How does talking about a subject with another person make it feel better? Do you think that Naomi's mom would feel better or worse knowing that Naomi and Stephen have heard the truth?