The Theme of Motherhood in Obasan
Chinese writer Lin Yutang once said, "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." However, the word mother does not always apply to a woman who gives birth to a child, but a woman who gives maternal love and tenderness. The role of mother in the novel Obasan was passed down to the three main female figures of the novel. Naomi's biological mother, Obasan and Aunt Emily each took equal part in the raising of Naomi and Stephen in their unique ways.Naomi's mother actions and manner of life makes her a good mother figure for the children in the novel. Naomi's mother shows great compassion with her children and all other things. Compassion is an essential trait that one would most likely need to be a good mother. However, Naomi's mother displays her affection differently than what we may normally consider compassion. She shows it as a Japanese mother. "Her eyes are steady and matter of fact - the eyes of Japanese motherhood. They do not invade and invade. They are eyes that protect, shielding what is hidden most deeply in the heart of the child. She makes safe the small stirrings underfoot and in the shadows."(Kogawa, 63) By showing compassion within her subtleties, Naomi's mother shows signs of motherhood.
Obasan is the 2nd main female figure that Naomi really knows in her life. Aunt Emily ignoring her own feelings to make sure the children are not hurt makes her a good mother. That instance as well she shows herself to be a very caring compassionate woman. " (138)Obasan tries to be the mother that God did not intend her to be, so she teaches the children like they were her own. Also, she teaches Naomi how she should act around other people. "My mother 's eyes look obliquely to the floor, declaring that on the streets, at all time, in all public places, even a glace can be indiscreet. A mother's role is to teach he children. Even though they were far away, she tries to keep in contact with them during those hard times. This shows great compassion and mother-like caring for children. " (180) However, when Obasan begins to get older, Aunt Emily is the one who steps in to help raise the children. Naomi's mother is very committed to her family, both extended and immediate. Obasan feels that what the children need is wise knowledge to help them through hard times, and through life. However, she still wants to teach the children their heritage as well.
Common topics in this essay:
Naomi Stephen,
Aunt Emily,
Stephen Obasan,
Lin Yutang,
Japan Obasan,
Japanese Canadian,
Obasan Emily,
Japanese Canadians,
naomi's mother,
aunt emily,
naomi stephen,
,
teach children,
mother obasan,
teaches children,
main female,
raising naomi,
mother figure,
raising naomi stephen,
mother committed family,
hard times,
naomi's mother committed,
main female figures,
|
Acceptance Essays
