Memoirs of a Geisha | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Memoirs of a Geisha Key Questions

Students might find it useful to study carefully Sayuri's process of transformation from Chiyo, the immature and resentful child, to a seasoned woman who knows how to conceal her true thoughts and ultimately learns to dictate the course of her own life. Students should be able to pinpoint at least two or three definitive "turning points" in Sayuri's life.

1. Can you draw any conclusions or comparisons about the life of the geisha and that of many modern day women? How much, if at all, does it appear that the choices for women in modern society have changed? In what ways have women's choices remained the same?

2. What is Sayuri's initial philosophy toward life? How does her philosophy change over time?

3. How does the role of place figure into Sayuri's life? Initially, as we know, Sayuri begins her life in Yoroido. She...
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