Deborah Adekoya
WEALTH & SOCIAL CLASS VS POVERTY & TRUE LOVE
Question: Think about the similarities and differences between Isamu and Roku in terms of social class.
What do you think Oseki learns from her run-in with Roku? What is the significance of their meeting through the lens of Marxist theory?
Answer: Oseki realizes that social classes play a big role when it comes to people her family is willing to accept. Even though Roku is the love of her life, he like her is from a low social class, while Isamu is from a higher social class and is more educated than both her and Roku. When it came to her getting married, wealth, Isamu’s social standing, overpowered poverty, Roku’s social standing. She has to pick whether she wants to be selfish and go after true love or whether he wants to be selfless and go after social class, which would bring her family happiness. Through her meeting with Roku, she can see the difference in social class, and how important it is in her society.
Hi Deborah! I believe Oseki realizes that if she and Roku had met when they were younger, they would have had a happier life because they were from the same social class. They would have obviously understood each other better. Isamu, who comes from a different social class than Oseki, mentally abuses her since she is less educated. As you mentioned, she has the option of choosing the love of her life or continuing with the abuse because it is best for her family. It’s terrible that she has to go through this, and the number of times she and Isamu clash as a result of their social differences.
Hi! I like how you pointed out the realization of Oseki, because i feel like its a very important understanding of the world around her, and its what prompted her to make the decision that she did. It shows the consequences of social class, and societal pressures.