Memoirs of a Geisha Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 13 Summary

Chapter 13 Summary

The day arrives when Pumpkin is ready to be an apprentice geisha. Chiyo watches as Pumpkin is prepared. First, her hair is styled in the manner of a young geisha, and then one day she is ready for the ceremony. Pumpkin is dressed in a dark kimono bearing the Nitta Okiya crest. Her face is painted with white makeup for the first time, yet as she descends the stairs, she looks more terrified than confident. Chiyo can only watch as the ritual sparking of the flint is performed on Pumpkin's back, yet the look Pumpkin gives her is apologetic, saying everything. Chiyo is not allowed to attend the ceremony but watches Pumpkin as she leaves.

Chiyo is eager to inform Mameha about Pumpkin's debut but is unable to for some time, as Mameha is busy visiting Tokyo to see her danna. Weeks pass before she is able to see Mameha:...
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