Amid the seemingly mundane events and bourgeois lifestyle depicted in The Makioka Sisters, there lies a more profound, aesthetic undercurrent that transcends mere realism. The novel's original title, Sasame-yuki, or "delicate snow," serves as a poetic symbol pointing to its deeper intent. This aesthetic purpose is woven through both direct and indirect forms of poetry—through lyrical verse and song, as well as through the nuanced tapestry of psychological yearning, unhappiness, and exaltation. As the narrative unfolds, events such as floods, typhoons, scandals, illnesses, and family dishonor accumulate, yet their significance diminishes with time, much like the delicate snows of yesteryear that melt away. Despite the severity of these occurrences, they eventually pass, absorbed in the relentless flow of time and human endeavors. Within this temporal passage, characters find themselves haunted by memories of old geishas, with their blackened teeth and green lipstick, or of the great kabuki actors and sushi experts of a bygone era. These figures, now spectral and seen only in the dim glow of candlelight, embody ephemeral presences that leave behind lingering impressions of sensuous beauty. Thus, the novel captures a poetic transience, where the past is ever-present yet elusive, enriching the narrative with a poignant sense of aestheticism and symbolism.

Amidst the relentless march of time towards global upheaval, the four Makioka sisters find solace and meaning in cherishing beauty. Each sister, in her own way, clings to remnants of a world once undisturbed by the shadows of war. As the specter of Adolf Hitler and the echoes of Dunkirk loom in the distance, the sisters immerse themselves in traditions that connect them to a more serene and honorable past. They engage in tranquil pursuits such as firefly hunts and dance exhibitions, revel in the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms, and embark on spiritual journeys to Nara during springtime.

Through these activities, they strive to preserve a sense of continuity and resist the encroaching chaos. As Japan struggles to keep pace with the advancements of the West in science and art, the Makiokas endeavor to hold onto their own interpretations of beauty, truth, and wholeness. Their resistance becomes an act of defiance against a rapidly changing world, an attempt to shield themselves from the fractures appearing in their once whole and beautiful existence. Thus, their lives become a poignant reflection of a time where the pursuit of beauty and the resistance against its erosion define their existence in an ever-shifting landscape.