A Daughter of the Samurai · Chapter
XIX: Thinking explained
Etsu reflects on the Japanese repression of strong emotion and the cultural differences in expressing affection, contrasting bowing with kissing.
What happens
Etsu reflects on the Japanese repression of strong emotion and the cultural differences in expressing affection, contrasting bowing with kissing. She recounts her shock at seeing public kissing in America, her disappointment with Ellen Terry's portrayal of Portia, and her discomfort with Western love scenes. The chapter also explores the commercialization of Japanese art through Matsuo's store, where American-designed 'Japanese' goods are mass-produced, leading Etsu to ponder the loss of artistic integrity and pride.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transition and Identity
Etsu grapples with the clash between Japanese emotional restraint and American expressiveness, questioning the impact of Western influence on Japanese traditions.
Tradition vs. Modernity
The chapter contrasts traditional Japanese art ideals with modern commercial demands, as seen in Matsuo's store and the production of 'Japanese' goods for American markets.
Characters to notice
- Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto
Reflects on Japanese emotional restraint, cultural differences in affection, and the degradation of Japanese art standards.
- Mother
Quoted regarding the custom of kissing; her dignified bow and farewell are recalled as expressions of deep love.
- Matsuo
Gives Mother a lacquer box and shows Etsu shelves of American-designed 'Japanese' goods, discussing the commercial compromise of art.
Key passages
“One does not bow exactly the same to father, younger sister, friend, servant, and child. My mother’s long, dignified bow and gentle-voiced farewell held no lack of deep love.”
Bowing varies by relationship, and a mother's bow can convey profound love.
Illustrates the spiritual depth of Japanese etiquette.
“A hurt child chokes back his tears and sobs out, 'I am not crying!'”
Children are taught to suppress tears and deny their pain.
Example of emotional repression in Japanese upbringing.
“I have heard, my daughter, that it is the custom for foreign people to lick each other as dogs do.”
Mother compares kissing to dogs licking, showing cultural unfamiliarity.
Highlights cross-cultural misunderstanding of affection.
“The flowers of Japan have blossomed in a shadowy garden, and a sudden, bright sunlight might kill their beauty and develop them into strong, coarse weeds.”
Japanese culture needs gradual exposure to change, not abrupt Westernization.
Mother's metaphor for cautious modernization.
“To degrade one’s pride—to loose one’s hold on the best, after having had it—is death to the soul growth of man or nation.”
Losing artistic integrity and pride harms both individuals and nations.
Etsu's conclusion on the importance of maintaining cultural standards.