Memoirs of a Geisha | Teaching Setting, Symbolism and Objects

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Kyoto - This is the city in Japan that Chiyo is taken to after being sold by Mr. Tanaka.

Gion - This is one of the most prominent geisha districts in Japan and home to Chiyo/Sayuri for most of her life.

Yoroido - This is the small fishing village where Chiyo grew up.

Noh mask - This is the expressionless prop used in dramatic theater that Sayuri sometimes refers to when she herself tries to remain expressionless.

Osaka/Nagasaki/Tokyo - These are cities in Japan. The first is home to the headquarters of Iwamura...
(read more)