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Gail TsukiyamaA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Autumn: September 15, 1937-Autumn: September 29, 1937
Autumn: October 5, 1937-Autumn: October 29, 1937
Autumn: October 30, 1937-Autumn: November 30, 1937
Autumn: December 1, 1937-Winter: December 7, 1937
Winter: December 21, 1937-Winter: February 4, 1938
Winter: February 5, 1938- Winter: March 14, 1938
Spring: March 28, 1938-Spring: May 30, 1938
Summer: June 6, 1938-Summer: July 5, 1938
Summer: July 9, 1938-Summer: August 16, 1938
Summer: August 17, 1938-Autumn: September 23, 1938
Autumn: September 28, 1938-Autumn: October 19
Autumn: October 20, 1938-Autumn: October 26, 1938
Autumn: October 27, 1938-Autumn: October 29, 1938
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Stephen wakes to the warm sounds and sight of Matsu and Fumiko preparing food to bring to the graves of the ancestors at the temple. As the trio walks there with the procession of villagers, Stephen thinks of Keiko and is glad not to see her; he does not wish to encounter her disapproving father again. Stephen remembers the Ghosts’ Feast in Hong Kong, with its more elaborate headstones and the recognition of his mother’s and father’s families. They leave their offerings at the family plot, and Matsu steps away to visit Kenzo’s grave.
When the three return to the village, it has been lit with colorful lanterns in many shapes. The mood is upbeat; the smell of food and the sound of music fill the air. Kenzo’s teahouse remains silent; Stephen thinks of him and of Sachi, wondering if she will celebrate in Yamaguchi. He thinks of the Chinese being slaughtered by the Japanese and that there will be “no one left to celebrate them” (181).