Kikuji’s father had at least two extra-marital affairs, one with Miss Kurimoto, Chikako, and one with the widowed Mrs Ota.
Kikuji’s mother knew of both of these affairs, and was more concerned with the public reaction to her husband’s adultery than his emotional betrayal of her.
Kikuji’s father, Mr. Mitani, did not attempt to conceal at least his first affair from his son.
Chikako’s spiteful choice of tea bowl implies that she is jealous of Mrs Ota.
Kikuji is attracted to a ‘girl of a thousand cranes’ at a tea ceremony he is attending, which he was invited to by Chikako.
Kikuki’s father is dead.
Chikako is a more assertive presence than Kikuji’s mother, and Kikuji does not feel resentment towards her for her role in his father’s adulterous behaviour, at least not anymore.
What Do We Want To Find Out?
Why is Chikako introducing prospective wives to Kikuji instead of his mother? Has she taken on a more maternal role in his life?
Is Kukiji’s mother still alive? If she is, why is she not at the tea ceremony?
How did Kikuji’s father die?
What is the time period of the book?
Why did Kikuji’s mother not seem to care about her husband’s affairs?
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