Matsu and Kenzo Anonymous 9th Grade

Yin and Yang is the idea of creating balance in the universe. While one side represents good, the other represents evil and when both sides are balanced, one achieves perfect harmony. The two sides fit together perfectly, each conjoined to the other. In Gail Tsukiyama’s novel, The Samurai’s Garden, the idea of yin and yang, or the balance of things, is shown through Matsu and Kenzo and their differences. They are the polar opposites of each other not only in their physical characteristics but also in their personalities. Yet their main differences become present as Sachi, whom they both love, causes them to chose which side to take. Although extremely different, Matsu and Kenzo become best friends, and stay that way all the way up to adulthood. Yet the surprising thing is that neither turns out to be the person one expects as their true characters reveal themselves for what they really are.

Physically, Kenzo is average sized and thin. He radiates friendliness, a quality that makes him very popular as a child. However, Matsu is short but well built and strong. He doesn’t have many friends as a child because he is very reserved and quiet. Kenzo is easy to get along with because of the way he talks and presents himself while Matsu...