Dec 15, 2009

Memoirs of a Geisha | Characters

Sayuri's character is developed largely through her constant opposition with Hatsumomo. Hatsumomo provides Sayuri with two choices—first, with whether to succumb to Hatsumomo's cruelty and then, later, whether to adopt Hatsumomo's cruelty towards others as an approach to her own life. Hatsumomo acts as a foil whom Sayuri is forced to overcome in order to create the life she desires. Mameha, in turn, provides both Sayuri and the reader with a different way of looking at the world. When Hatsumomo's cruelty finally backfires and Hatsumomo is dismissed from the okiya, Sayuri triumphs over...