“An obstacle which would frighten discreet men is nothing to determined women. They dare what men avoid, and sometimes they achieve an unusual success.”
Okada is a sociable neighbor who fancies Otama but does not act upon it rather he admires her beauty at a distance. In the course of the narrative, this becomes the norm, however, it takes Otama to notice him bearing in mind she needs a redeemer in her life. The assertion by the narrator who is close to Okada takes notice of how it takes modest men a long time to act upon their desires. However, once Otama sets his eyes on Okada’s good nature she takes a course of action without overthinking or being frightened.
“Whenever someone neglected to set their watch by the evening bells, they ran to Okada to ask proper time.”
The statement encompasses Okada’s reliability and noble attitude towards the people around his community. He is a direct contrast to Suezo who is ill-reputed due to his dishonorable business dealings. The measure of honor in the narrative is seen through Okada who is foreshadowed as Otama’s savior later in the narrative. As Otama dreams for a much more honorable life to escape the misery she is experiencing, Okada is the right person at the right moment.
