Who Is Yasako's Character In Houston

In one of Yasako’s dialogue, Houston hints that Yasako is a steel chrysanthemum through her actions and feelings. Imagine a man is scorned and ridiculed constantly by everyone around him because of his religious beliefs. But, instead of speaking up and defending himself, he silently accepts all the harsh words, and restrains himself from letting his feelings control his actions. On the outside he appears to be the weakest man on earth. However, on the inside he has a firm belief in his religion, and does not let anyone affect his faith. This man has self-control, humility, and gentleness. Although he may seem like a weak man outside, but he actually has a very strong character. When Yasako was conversing with the teacher, she claims “I keep

In the scene where Yasako was about to commit oyakashinju, she felt “a force [pushing] it upwards” (128) that drove her to drink the poisonous tea. She was able to withstand the force and securely places the tea cup on the ground. However, “the placement is not easy” (128) because of the other force that desires for Yasako to drink the poisonous tea. The “force” represents her weak flesh that is unable to tolerate misfortune and longs for the adversity to end, choosing the more easier way. However, Yasako’s spirit was powerful enough to fight against her weakness and overcome this difficult battle by setting the teacup down. Her flesh, or physical form, desires what is contrary to her spirit. Physically, she desires to depart so that she can escape the shame and discomforts of the life of an insane person. But, Yasako’s spirit desires to obey Kuniko’s will and fulfill her wishes by striving to live on. Rather than giving in to the painless path and being complacent, Yasako selects the onerous way to please her spirit. It is unequivocal that Yasako definitely has a steel core. Additionally, Houston adds that Yasako had a “resolute face” (129) when the story ends. The term “resolute” denotes unwavering, determined, tenacious, and to have a resolution. A resolution is a firm decision or a promise to do or not to do something. When Houston mentions that Yasako had a “resolute face”, it connotes that Yasako has a strong will in completing a promise she had created with Kuniko; to live on without her