Chorus of Mushrooms - pages 120 to 179

Summary of pages 120 to 179

This section of the novel shifts perspective to Murasaki, offering a portrayal of her coming-of-age experiences as a young Canadian Nikkei girl. She grapples with questions of identity, both personal and cultural, mirroring the broader themes of the novel.

Exploration of the female body and sexuality: Murasaki's fascination with her changing body and her experiences with her boyfriend highlight her journey of self-discovery and her burgeoning sexuality. This personal exploration is interlaced with the cultural context of secrecy and shame surrounding female sexuality.

Confronting stereotypes and the "othering gaze": The "Japanese doll" incident forces Murasaki to confront the stereotypes associated with her Japanese heritage and how others perceive her. This resonates with the novel's exploration of Orientalism through Hank's character..

The power of storytelling and cultural memory: Just as the retelling of the Yamanba myth connects characters to their cultural identities, Murasaki's recollection of Naoe's ghost story underscores the importance of storytelling in shaping her understanding of the world. Both the myth and the ghost story serve as conduits to cultural memory and identity.

Navigating adolescence and cultural identity: Murasaki's experiences with first love, her changing body, and confronting stereotypes all contribute to her navigation of adolescence within the specific context of being a Canadian Nikkei girl.

These pages deepen the novel's exploration of cultural identity, particularly for second-generation immigrants like Murasaki. While Naoe actively engages with her Japanese heritage and Keiko attempts to assimilate, Murasaki navigates a more complex and nuanced path, grappling with both her Japanese heritage and her Canadian upbringing. This section also echoes the novel's exploration of cross-cultural interactions and the complexities of immigrant experiences, connecting Murasaki's personal journey to the broader themes of the novel.

Discussion questions for pages 120 to 179

1. How does Hank show Orientalism? How is this like real-life stereotypes about the East and West?

2. How does tonkatsu show a mix of cultures? How does it help the family understand who they are?

3. What does the short title for Part 3 "An Immigrant Story with a Happy Ending" make you think? Is a happy ending possible for immigrants?