Memoirs of a Geisha | Topics & Themes

Memoirs of a Geisha Thematic Overview

The principal theme of Memoirs of a Geisha is the idea that life, although dictated by destiny, may yet remain malleable to the forces of individual determination. Selfdetermination is also the moving force by which a seemingly tragic turn of events unwittingly sets the stage for other, broader horizons.

Sayuri begins her tale by stating that she "wasn't born and raised to be a Kyoto geisha." Her path to becoming a geisha is compared to that of "making tea in a bucket," it at first seems so improbable. Sayuri initially queries the reader with the question: suppose that you and I were sitting in a quiet room overlooking a garden, chatting and sipping at our cups of green tea . . . and I said to you 'that afternoon when I met so-and-so . . . was the very best afternoon of my life, and also the very...
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