Still, to cease living is unacceptable.' Mikage, 82

Mikage also understands that life is short, that death is around any corner, and that choosing to live is something people must consciously do in order to find meaning. It is not surprising that Eriko and Mikage enjoy each other so much, for both seem to have a similar worldview. Without despair, one would never question their life and discover new and more fruitful paths for the future. 'If a person hasn't ever experienced true despair, she grows old never knowing how to evaluate where she is in life never understanding what joy really is.' Eriko, 41Įriko explains to Mikage that hopelessness, sadness, and grief are essential to a happy life, as they help one see the world from a more objective perspective. Furthermore, the realization that the two had elements of the same dream is improbable, miraculous, and prescient of their growing closeness. This is a key passage in the story, as it symbolizes Yuichi's efforts of helping Mikage get over the death of her grandmother and focus on a more promising future. 'Thanks for mopping it for me.' Mikage, 40Īfter realizing that Mikage and Yuichi had the same dream about her old kitchen, she thanks Yuichi for cleaning it up.

When she falls in love with it, it is clear to the reader that she is accepting being part of Eriko and Yuichi's life. Mikage, however, knows that she can learn a lot more about someone through their kitchen, and, unsurprisingly, chooses that room to peruse. He acknowledges that people love to learn all of the prurient details about other people's lives, which is why he offers to let her choose the room she wants to see on her 'tour.' He suggests the bathroom, a common place for people to look for the illuminating details of the residents whose place they are inspecting-medications, grooming tools, signature scents, sexual accessories, etc. Yuichi is welcoming to Mikage when she first comes over, but he is also disarmingly frank. 'Or pick a room, then I'll know what kind of person you are.A lot of people would say you learn a lot from the toilet.' Yuichi, 9 Mikage isn't exactly a 'people person' in an extroverted sense, but she uses food to show her small circle of loved ones that she cares. A kitchen is a powerful symbol of comfort and security, as well as one that represents the coming together of people through food. Her description of a perfect kitchen as a bright place with the onomatopoeia of bright sounds is an indication of her equally bright, cheerful, and playful nature. In the first paragraph of the novella, the narrator already emphasizes her love for kitchens. The place I like best in this world is the kitchen.White tile catching the light (ting! ting!).

About her by banana yoshimoto