"Obasan" Characters Analysis

"Obasan" is a powerful novel written by Joy Kogawa that explores the themes of identity, memory, and the impact of historical events on individuals and communities. The story revolves around the protagonist, Naomi Nakane, who is a thoughtful and introspective woman grappling with her past and heritage. In this character analysis, we will delve into the list of characters, their roles, descriptions, traits, backgrounds, character arcs, and relationships.

List of Characters

Role Identification

Naomi Nakane: The protagonist and narrator of the story, Naomi is a middle-aged woman who carries the burden of her painful past. She serves as the lens through which we experience the events of the story.

Obasan: Naomi's aunt, Obasan, plays a crucial role in the novel. She represents the older generation of Japanese-Canadians who silently endured the injustices of internment during World War II and carries the weight of their trauma.

Uncle: Naomi's uncle is a quiet and reserved individual who has also been affected by the internment but copes with his trauma differently than Obasan.

Stephen: Stephen is Naomi's kind and understanding husband, who supports her as she confronts her past. He represents the empathetic outsider who tries to understand the struggle and pain that the Japanese-Canadian community faced.

Emily: Naomi's daughter, Emily, represents the younger generation, unaware of their history and the struggles faced by the Japanese-Canadians during the war.

Mother: Naomi's mother is absent for most of the narrative, but her actions and choices have a lasting impact on Naomi's life and her understanding of her heritage.

Grandfather: Naomi's grandfather represents the generation that initially migrated from Japan to Canada in search of a better life, only to face discrimination and hardship.

Character Descriptions

Naomi Nakane: Naomi is a middle-aged woman who appears reserved and reflective. She carries the weight of her past and constantly questions her identity and place in the world.

Obasan: Obasan is an elderly woman with a stoic and seemingly detached exterior. She rarely speaks, but her actions demonstrate her immense love, care, and sacrifice for her family.

Uncle: Uncle often retreats into silence and internalizes his pain. He takes care of the family farm, a symbol of resilience and survival.

Stephen: Stephen is a supportive and understanding spouse. He acts as a bridge between Naomi's past and present, providing her with a safe space to explore her emotions.

Emily: Emily is a curious and innocent child who is shielded from the harsh realities of her family's history. Her presence highlights the generational gap and the need to pass on the knowledge and experiences to younger generations.

Mother: Naomi's mother is distant and inaccessible for most of the narrative, which adds to Naomi's sense of abandonment and longing for connection.

Grandfather: Grandfather is a wise and resilient man who represents the struggles and aspirations of the earlier Japanese-Canadian generation.

Character Traits

Naomi Nakane: Thoughtful, introspective, haunted, resilient.

Obasan: Stoic, nurturing, introspective, fiercely protective.

Uncle: Silent, resilient, hardworking.

Stephen: Understanding, patient, empathetic.

Emily: Innocent, curious, unaware.

Mother: Distant, mysterious, absent.

Grandfather: Wise, resilient, hopeful.

Character Background

Naomi Nakane: Born in Canada, Naomi is of Japanese descent. She was only five years old when she and her family were forced into internment camps during World War II. This traumatic experience influenced her perception of herself and her cultural identity.

Obasan: Obasan was also subjected to internment during the war. She silently bore witness to the trauma suffered by her community and has spent her life protecting and caring for her family.

Uncle: Like Obasan, Uncle experienced internment and carries the scars of that experience. He is an embodiment of resilience and silently endures his pain.

Stephen: Stephen is a non-Japanese Canadian who falls in love with Naomi and supports her in her journey of self-discovery.

Emily: Emily is the child of Naomi and Stephen. She represents the new generation growing up in Canada, unfamiliar with the struggles faced by her grandparents.

Mother: Naomi's mother is a mysterious figure who is absent for most of the story. Her actions and choices have a profound impact on Naomi's life.

Grandfather: A first-generation immigrant from Japan, Grandfather faced discrimination and worked hard to establish a life for his family in Canada.

Character Arcs

Naomi Nakane: Naomi begins the story with a deep disconnect from her cultural identity and a desire to forget her past. However, as she explores her memories and confronts the pain of her experiences, she starts to reclaim her history and becomes an advocate for truth and justice.

Obasan: Obasan's character arc is rooted in resilience and survival. She continuously protects and cares for her family while carrying the weight of the internment and finding solace in her own inner strength.

Uncle: Uncle's character arc is one of silent endurance. He uses his work on the family farm as a means of coping with his pain and becomes a source of support and stability for Naomi.

Stephen: Stephen's character arc is one of understanding and empathy. As he learns about Naomi's past, his perspective on their relationship deepens, and he becomes a pillar of support for her.

Emily: Emily's character arc is limited in the story, but as Naomi's daughter, she represents the potential for a bridge between generations and the need for knowledge and understanding.

Mother: Mother's character arc is subtly portrayed through her absence. Her choices and absence affect Naomi deeply and shape her understanding of herself and her legacy.

Grandfather: Grandfather's character arc spans generations, as he overcame challenges as an immigrant and laid the foundation for his family's future. He is a source of wisdom and hope for Naomi.

Relationships

Naomi Nakane and Obasan: Naomi and Obasan share a deep connection throughout the story. Obasan's love and protection are evident in her actions, and Naomi looks to her as a source of strength and guidance.

Naomi Nakane and Uncle: Naomi and her uncle have a unique bond built on their shared heritage and experiences. While they rarely communicate verbally, they find comfort in each other's presence and silent understanding.

Naomi Nakane and Stephen: Naomi's relationship with Stephen is a source of stability and love. His unwavering support allows her to confront her past and find healing.

Naomi Nakane and Emily: Naomi's relationship with Emily is depicted through a generational divide. Naomi struggles to bridge the gap and pass on her history to her daughter, displaying the complexities of transmitting heritage and culture.

Naomi Nakane and Mother: Naomi's relationship with her mother is strained due to her mother's absence and the unresolved wounds caused by her choices. This lack of connection shapes Naomi's identity and her understanding of her past.

Naomi Nakane and Grandfather: While Grandfather's presence is limited due to his death before the events of the novel, his influence is significant. He represents the history and struggles of the older generation and serves as a guide for Naomi's journey.

In conclusion, "Obasan" is a novel that intricately explores the experiences and emotions of a generation of Japanese-Canadians impacted by wartime internment. Through the various characters and their dynamics, the story delves into themes of heritage, trauma, resilience, and the pursuit of identity. Naomi Nakane and Obasan, in particular, stand out as central figures in this exploration, each carrying their own burdens and contributing to the collective story of their community.