Themes

GardensWhat qualities do gardens require to flourish?

Care, Tenderness, Nurturing, and Love

Humans = Gardens?Matsu’s relationships run parallel with his gardens

Storm ruins his garden…friendship with Kenzo is ruined

“I remember a time when you told me working in my garden would give me back my life.” (56)

Beauty exists everywhere…even in unlikely places!Sachi’s appearance and dry gardenAmidst the war in China, Stephen finds love and care

in Tarumi

SamuraiWho is the Samurai in the novel?

Boshido codeHonor Courage

Matsu?Protects Sachi and is the hero of YamaguchiTeaches Stephen honor and courageDisgraces himself with Kenzo

Stephen?Stands up to his fatherIs selfless when it comes to Yamaguchi and SachiUnderstands and supports family/Keiko

Leprosy and WarHow are they similar?

DestructionSeparates loved onesPainCasualties

Possible reasons Tsukiyama uses these metaphors?Connection between Sachi and Stephen

Loneliness, Illness, and BeautySolidify Matsu as the “Samurai” of the story

He mediates the war to Stephen and leprosy to SachiExplain how war is the new leprosy

Stephen is now afflicted with the disease of war