Essay Questions

How does the theme of family obligation and self manifest itself in The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama?

Gail Tsukiyama uses the character, Stephen, to fetch out the theme of family obligation and self in The Samurai's Garden. Throughout the plot of the story, Stephen takes a bold move to leave his mother to work alongside his father. He is undertaking his consecrated obligation as a man because this will play an essential role in making him a dependable man. At some point, a man has to leave his mother and father to start own life. However, fathers act as role models for boys and that is why Stephen is working with his father to learn how to be a real man. Similarly, Stephen categorizes himself as a painter and this is vital in describing his identity. One of his best hobbies includes swimming and this explains why he loves visiting the beach. Despite his identity and hobby, he does his best to fulfill his duties for the success of his family.

What does Gail Tsukiyama mean when she says, ‘An asset in the business world'?

The phrase 'An asset in the commerce world' metaphorically means highly advantageous. The reader apprehends that Chan and his siblings are all given English names by their parents to rhyme with westerners. Their father believes that if they are called by English names they will be valued as Westerners. Additionally, their father supposes that by calling his children by English names, they become assets in the business world because opportunities will open doors for them.

Explain how Gail Tsukiyama uses the literary device simile in her literary work.

Gail Tsukiyama uses a simile to help the reader compare situations and elements. She uses the first simile when explaining how Stephen went to the beach after convincing his father that he can walk alone. Gail Tsukiyama writes, 'Empty and quiet as the beach below the village.' However, the father is still not confident that Stephen can go to the beach alone. Stephen thinks that he has not won a prize from his father for doing a confident thing. Stephen decides to buy a book to record prizes received from his father. It takes a long time before getting any prize from his father and he concludes that his book is as blank and relative as the seashore below the parish.