Genre
Novel
Setting and Context
The novel takes place in Alberta, Canada, in the 1970s.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person narrative
Tone and Mood
Emotional, sad, disheartening, moving
Protagonist and Antagonist
Naomi Nakane is the protagonist of the story.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is when Naomi receives sad news that her uncle is dead. When she comforts her aunt for the loss, she does not respond and prefers to be left alone.
Climax
The climax is attained when Obasan finds a package containing many letters from Aunt Emily. The letters and documentations explain why Obasan and the rest of the family have to face certain challenges in life.
Foreshadowing
The package from Aunty Emily foreshadows the nostalgic memories that Nomi and her Obasan cannot afford to ignore.
Understatement
The negative impacts of World War II are understated. Despite the hostilities leaving many people dead and homeless, the living still suffer from the atrocities of WWII.
Allusions
The story alludes to Naomi's struggles and how she came to terms with the circumstances that led to her mother's death and other close family members.
Imagery
The presence of music depicts hearing imagery. The author argues that music was a norm in society, and people loved listening to various lyrics that consoled them.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Obasan is not ready to be consoled after the death of her husband. When Naomi visits her, she remains quiet and decides to isolate herself.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Emotions are personified as reducing an individual's ability to remain stable and mentally fit.
