A Family Supper quotations

P b l p

punctuated by long pauses

punctuated by long pauses

• despite having a lot to talk about, the conversation is awkward

• shows how the father’s cold demeanour does not encourage conversation

• conflict stems from the strain of the unsaid

c l a w

chattering like an old woman

chattering like an old woman

• father believes that masculinity means being stoic and silent

• shows his traditional view on gender roles

• highlights the generational difference in values - which has stemmed from the shift in values of post ww2 japan

d t t w

doing things their way

doing things their way

• the father is retiring because he doesn’t want to adapt to the new way of doing business

• this shows how he values tradition and doesn’t want to change

s r q v o h h l t r

she relaxed quite visibly once he had left the room

she relaxed quite visibly once he had left the room

• shows how Kikuko falls back on traditional gender roles as well as Japanese values like being obedient when her father is around

• however she is more lively and at-ease with her brother

h a s i p o

hardly a skill I’m proud of

hardly a skill I’m proud of

• the father believes cooking is reserved for women

• shows how his values are aged

a m o h a p (+ analysis)

a man of honour and principle

• even though Watanabe killed his whole family, the narrator’s father still respects him

• shows difference in generational values

a m o h a p

a man of honour and principle

s m m d e m t l h f

surely my mother didn’t expect me to live here forever

surely my mother didn’t expect me to live here forever

• shows how the narrator feels pressured by his father to return back home

• he also feels guilty for leaving in the first place

• the fact that his father wants him to move back home shows how the house feels empty without his wife or kids