Ambiguity in "Yoneko's Earthquake" Madeleine Proulx College

In writing, ambiguity is often used to give specific topics more meaning. In making an aspect of a work unclear, it draws the reader’s attention to it, and forces them to think about what is true, and what is important. Yoneko’s Earthquake written by Hisaye Yamamoto is riddled with moments of uncertainty, where ambiguity shapes the writing. Yoneko’s Earthquake is written from the point of view of ten year old Yoneko, who is trying to describe the inner-workings of her family, and the many encounters they have. With this in mind, it makes sense that the more ambiguous moments in the writing are those which hold strife for the family, and revolve around issues between the adults. Yamamoto’s purposeful style of writing through a child’s lens give these events a reason to seem unclear, while working as a device to point out details to the reader. The moments of ambiguity in Yoneko’s earthquake are used to highlight the events which are problematic for the family. Specifically, the ambiguity surrounding Mrs. Hosoume and Marpo’s connection and the reasons for his disappearance, lead to the examination of the actions and emotions of the family.

The Housome family consists of the traditional father and mother, and two children...