![]() Critic John Whittier Treat explains, "The complement to the mythical or lost family is the unconventional-the so-called 'dysfunctional'-family, of which there is a plenitude in Yoshimoto Banana. This contributes to the narrative's message regarding families, and how, in contemporary Japan, "family" doesn't always refer to the people you are connected to by blood. What is the narrative impact of Eriko being a trans woman?Įriko could have simply been a mother who was born female and thus more traditional, but Yoshimoto decided to make Eriko a trans woman instead. Though the rituals and cultural elements of religion may still permeate contemporary Japan, the characters do not rely on the gods for help-a fact that is both daunting and empowering. ![]() Mikage says frankly, "For having been granted such a warm bed after finding myself in the direst straits, I thanked the gods-whether they existed or not-with all my heart" (22). When Chika is bemoaning Eriko's death, she says, "Why do things like this have to happen? I can't believe in the gods" (86). The story alludes to gods several times, but they do not offer any succor or relief. ![]() Yoshimoto is writing this novel in 1987, and it is clearly representative of a more secular era. ![]() How do the characters of this world relate to religion and spirituality? ![]()
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