Kitchen

These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Personal Response Prompt

Eriko’s identity as a transgender woman is treated bluntly by her son, but it’s clear that the matter-of-factness is coupled with a real sense of empathy and understanding. The book was seen as progressive at the time, especially because gender reassignment surgery was illegal in Japan when the book was written (and transgender identity was, broadly, a cultural taboo there). Does Eriko’s depiction still hold up for you? In what ways does she differ from other depictions of transgender people you’ve seen in literature?

Teaching Suggestion: This is a sensitive topic, so please use discretion when preparing your readers to speak inclusively about transgender people. The book does not always respect Eriko’s gender pronouns, for example, and you may want to address that with your students. After students answer, you might also address trauma’s frequent link to gender identity in literature and how that may be a reductive characterization.

• Good Practices: Inclusive Language – This resource will be helpful for students and teachers who feel uncomfortable navigating common issues regarding inclusive language for queer people.
• Bury Your Gays: History, Usage, and Context – Haley Hulan’s scholarly article unpacks the frequent and often harmful trope of queer murder in literature, which has been a point of criticism for some.

Post-Reading Analysis

How is Mikage uniquely prepared to help Yuichi deal with his grief? Think beyond just the fact that she has lost people too. How is that related to their growing romantic love toward one another? What do you make of her decision to go see him when she is in Izu, and how it commingles different kinds of comfort in their relationship?

Teaching Suggestion: The climax of the first story is a nuanced portrayal of conflicting needs and desires from the moment of Mikage’s realization that she and Yuichi are at a fulcrum point through her decision to go see him. You may need to walk students through the different motivations at work in Mikage’s moment of decision and how they play out as she meets with Yuichi in his hotel room.