The similarities that Isamu and Roku share in terms of social class is that they were expected to be successful because they are men. The differences however, is that unlike Isamu, Roku did not hold up to that expectation. Although he started off early in life with a good reputation, his life began to go downhill after his engagement. He is now in a place where his partner and child have left him and he works until he is tired only to survive. Isamu’s social class would be considered higher because he is working in a successful job and bringing home money. One final similarity is that although they are both in different social classes, they both seem to be miserable because of how much work they have to do.
What I think Oseki learns from her run in with Roku is that staying in a situation where you cannot see yourself lasting, simply out of obligation, will do nothing for you in the long run to help you see the change that you want. As Roku was said, “But it wouldn’t have mattered what beauty of a wife I had. Ono no Komachi, Lady Hsi Shih, Princess Sotoori herself dancing before my eyes — my bad habits wouldn’t have changed.” (Ichiyo, 11) I believe that this quote can relate to Oseki because she feels miserable in her marriage, but feels that she has to stay out of obligation to everyone who depends on Isamu’s success. Trying to endure the marriage and doing it simply out of obligation will not change the fact that she is miserable and will continue to be miserable if she attempts to endure.
