Memoirs of a Geisha | Literary Precedents

Memoirs of a Geisha Literary Precedents

Sayuri's path from childhood to adulthood is reminiscent of Jane's path from obscurity to recognition in Jane Eyre. Like Sayuri, Jane begins her life an impoverished girl forced to tread on the goodwill of others. Her swift mind furnishes her with the limited freedom to earn her own keep and allows her to escape from beneath the heel of the wealthy Reed family. Yet Jane, even after leaving the restrictive Reed household, remains relatively powerless, forced to find employment as a governess. Like Sayuri, Jane Eyre found her options in society severely limited because of her orphaned state and "inferior" sex. Yet despite these initial setbacks, Jane and Sayuri are both ultimately able to achieve true selfactualization. Jane becomes a heroine because she does not allow her circumstances to overwhelm her. Jane dares to dream of happiness with Mr. Rochester despite the significant class barriers as well as the natural...
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