Why does Kiyoshi believe Obaban is a substitute for his mom?
Kiyoshi believed Obaban became a substitute for his mother by taking her place in fulfilling the demand of the “bachi.” Kiyoshi’s mother taught him about some of the superstitions she believed in. One particular superstition is called “bachi” or “retribution”. “Bachi” punishes a person who has done something wrong, but it may punish a member of the offender’s family instead.
When his mother was ill, she believed she was being punished for another family member’s offense. She became convinced her punishment would be death. Kiyoshi told Obaban what his mother thought. Obaban promised to make his mother a charm at her temple that would help keep the “bachi” away.
Soon thereafter Kiyoshi’s father showed up to his school. Kiyoshi assumed he had bad news about his mother, but quickly found out Obaban suffered a stroke and died. His mother was devastated Obaban passed away, but she felt Obaban’s death fulfilled the “retribution” so she could continue living.
(: Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree that since Obaban taught Kiyoshi about the superstitions that she believed in he wanted a substitute for his mother. He didn't know who but he felt like his mother was too young to die. When I was reading the part of Kiyoshi's father showing up at his school, my heart raced. I really thought that Kiyoshi's mother passed. But then when I heard it Obaban, I felt relieved for him. It was sad that she passed but I wanted Kiyoshi's mother to live.
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYour post has me thinking of the way Mrs. Oyama's belief in bachi results in her good behavior. Interestingly, while she tries to be "good" she still suffers retribution from the misdeeds of others. In contrast, Obaban clearly refuses to follow the rules, but she seems to escape retribution until she's lived a full life.
Thanks for giving me more to think about.
Take care,
Lauren
Thanks for your comments! I too thought that Kiyoshi's mother had passed and was as releived as he was to find out it was Obanan, I somehow thought by Obanan not following the rules it was a consequence just as it was a freedom for Kiyoshi's mother to have Obanan as a replacement for her...thanks for the reading
ReplyDeleteI agree with your insights about this question. I believe that obaban took kiyoshi mother's punishment when she passed away. She taught him all about the superstitions of having someone else take the blame for a families troubles and so I also believe that obaban took kiyoshi mothers. it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in part III and I am some what excited to see what happens. Thank you for the insights.
ReplyDeleteJarrod
Whenever we have to make a choice between our loved one and other, we always become selfish. Author here become selfish and regards Obaban as the perfect substitute for his mother. He felt that Obaban has put an end to the cycle of bachi. His selfishness was clearly shown when he said that he felt happy when he heard Obaban was the one dying form stroke. Here instead of sorrow he showed the sign of joy.
ReplyDeleteHello, I did agree, she felt satisfied and relieved. It was sad how Obaban passed away, and led Kiyoshi and his mother believed in the superstition. It would be awful if they later on find out that its not true. They could feel a sense of failure and be very disappointed. You mentioned a lot of details and helped me think more about the story and its concept.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lesley
I believe that Kiyoshi's mother took on Obanban's bachi because because this was a superstition back then. But in the end it was Obanban that took on someone else's bachi in form of a stroke. You had some good ideas that made me think of the question in a different way because I answered the same one.
ReplyDelete