Dec 26, 2009

Memoirs of a Geisha | Themes

Deception
From the time Tanaka brokers Sayuri and her sister away from their home, the theme of deception guides the course of events in the novel. While Tanaka’s deception is indirect (after all, he never actually tells young Sayuri what her future holds), Hatsumomo’s deception is overt. Hatsumomo not only lies about Sayuri, but she goes so far as to set her up to look guilty when she is innocent, as when she puts money into Sayuri’s obi before telling Mother that Sayuri sold some of her jewelry. Hatsumomo also makes empty promises so she can manipulate and dominate...