Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Obasan, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Race, Identity, and Citizenship
History and Memory
Speech vs. Silence
Selflessness and Decorum
Summary
Analysis
Almost immediately after Father’s return, the family is split up again. Father and Uncle each receive letters stating that Japanese Canadians will not be permitted to return to their homes. Those who do not wish to move to Japan are subject to “Eastern Placement”––relocation to the eastern part of Canada. Uncle is ordered to relocate, but Father’s illness makes him ineligible and he is ordered to remain in Slocan while his family leaves.
Moments of joy and hope are possible in traumatic circumstances, but those moments can only ever be fleeting as long as oppressive governments exert control over their citizens. The Nakanes are once again split up at the whims of the racist Canadian government, which continues to mistreat Japanese Canadians even though the war is over.
Themes
Nomura-obasan and other neighbors visit the Nakanes while they pack, and Nakayama-sensei leads the group in prayer. During the prayers, Stephen accidentally breaks one of Mother’s records. The Nakanes and their guests take communion from Nakayama-sensei, and he assures them that they will meet again.
Though the ghost town is rife with suffering, oppression, and conflict, community and kindness can still exist. The Nakanes have friends in Slocan, and they find strength in solidarity and faith. Meanwhile, Stephen, who has distanced himself from that solidarity, accidentally breaks one of his only sources of comfort and one of his last connections to his family.
Themes
