Kazuo Ishiguro A Family Supper NOTE: Here you will find two copies of this superb short storyby Kazuo Ishiguro. The first is the plain text. The second is the same text with a long series of footnotes. In these footnotes you will find remarks, comments and questions to help you understand the story and consider its main issues. Read the first version using the dictionary to look up unknown vocabulary, then read the second using the footnotes and, finally, answer the questions in the Continuous Assessment exercise that you will find in the Teacher’s Notice Board taking into account the ideas raised in the Debate about “English Literature vs. Literatures in English.” Fugu is a fish caught off the Pacific shores of Japan. The fish has held a special significance for me ever since my mother died through eating one. The poison resides in the sexual glands of the fish, inside two fragile bags. When preparing the fish, these bags must be removed with caution, for any clumsiness will result in the poison leaking into the veins. Regrettably, it is not easy to tell whether or not this operation has been carried out successfully. The proof is, as it were, in the eating. Fugu poisoning is hideously painful and almost always fatal. If the fish has been eaten during the evening, the victim is usually overtaken by pain during his sleep. He rolls about in agony for a few hours and is dead by morning. The fish became extremely popular in Japan after the war. Until stricter regulations were imposed, it was all the rage to perform the hazardous gutting operation in one's own kitchen, then to invite neighbours and friends round for the feast. At the time of my mother's death, I was living in California. My relationship with my parents had become somewhat strained around that period, and consequently I did not learn of the circumstances surrounding her death until I returned to Tokyo two years later. Apparently, my mother has always refused to eat fugu, but on this particular occasion she had made an exception, having been invited by an old schoolfriend whom she was anxious not to offend. It was my father who supplied me with the details as we drove from the airport to his house in the Kamakura district. When we finally arrived, it was nearing the end of a sunny autumn day. 'Did you eat on the plane?' my father asked. We were sitting on the tatami floor of his tea room. 'They gave me a light snack.' 'You must be hungry. We'll eat as soon as Kikuko arrives.' My father was a formidable - looking man with a large stony jaw and furious black eyebrows. I think now in retrospect that he much resembled Chou En - lai, although he would not have cherished such a comparison, being particularly proud of the pure samurai blood that ran in the family. His general presence was not one which encouraged relaxed conversation; neither were things helped much by his odd way of stating each remark as if it were the concluding one. In fact, as I sat opposite him that afternoon, a boyhood memory came back to me of the time he had strucked me several times around the head for 'chattering like an old woman'. Inevitably, our conversation since my arrival at the airport had been punctuated by long pauses. 'I'm sorry to hear about the firm,' I said when neither of us had spoken for some time. He nodded gravely. 'In fact the story didn't end here,' he said. 'After the firm's collapse, Watanabe killed himself. He didn't wish to live with the disgrace.' lighting a cigarette.' Despite our differences in years.influences. he's making plans to go to America. 'A fine man. He wants me to go with him as soon as I finish studying. Doing things their way. 'People say it's dangerous. More tea?' Just then a girl's voice came echoing through the house. And you want to go America?' 'If we go. the conversation had become even sparser than prior to Kikuko's arrival. Your mother too was always ready to welcome you back .' Kikuko waved a thumb in front of my face. The daylight had almost gone. saying: 'I must attend to the supper. 'Kikuko has arrived. She in turn asked me a few questions.' 'Quite understandable. Then my father stood up.room looked out over the garden. we're going to hitch . Like many others. The sun had sunk low and much of the garden had fallen into shadow.' 'I see. A man of principle.' my father said.' 'I've come to believe now that there were no evil intentions in your mind. As I say.' The tea . but I've done it in Osaka and it's fine. I respected him very much. 'At last.upset as she was by your behaviour. After a while. She answered him with short formal replies. We put on some straw sandals that had been left along the veranda rail and stepped out into the garden. I'm not sure what my plans are.' 'I appreciate your sympathy. then grinned mischievously.' My father rose to his feet.' 'Perhaps we should forget it. I don't understand how we've come to this.' 'Will you go into business again?' I asked. Seeing me again seemed to make her excessively excited and for a while she didn't nothing but giggle nervously. I was just visible now through the thick foliage.' 'You see. Kikuko will look after you. I hope. Business these days has become so different.' 'I for one am prepared to forget the past. Please excuse me for being burdened down by such matters. I haven't made up my mind yet. 'You were swayed by certain .' I said.' My sister relaxed quite visibly once he had left the room. as you suggest. 'More than a short visit.' 'We were partners for seventeen years. A man of principle and honour.'I see.' . 'Oh I see.' 'As you will.' He sighed. Dealing with foreigners. From where I sat I could make out the ancient well which as a child I had believed haunted. 'I am . But she calmed down somewhat when my father started to question her about Osaka and her university. Within a few minutes.in retirement. my sister and I had always been close. 'Guess what? I've got a boyfriend now. 'I've been dying for a smoke for the last half .' she said. Then quite suddenly she decided we should walk in the garden and went striding out onto the veranda. she was chatting freely about her friends in Osaka and about her classes at university.' 'I'm not sure what my plans will be. 'Then why didn't you smoke?' She made a furtive gesture back towards the house. I'm too old to involve myself in new ventures now.hike.hour. Neither did Watanabe. 'I'm glad in any case that you've decided to come back.' my father continued. but she seemed inhibited by the fear that her questions might lead to awkward topics.' 'Oh yes?' 'Except I'm wondering what to do. I've got lots of friends now in Osaka. 'Mother always told me it was the old woman from the vegetable store you'd seen that night. She then turned her back to the well. She used to tell me how much more careful they'd been with me.' I glanced towards the house. I'll have to see.' 'Are you going back to California?' 'I don't know.I like him. in a new voice. 'Perhaps we'd better go in soon.' 'Well. He turned on the gas while they were all asleep.' . And Suchi .' she said. You'll fall right in. Do you understand?' 'Oh perfectly. Her voice echoed a little. for not bringing you up correctly. 'Did he tell you about old Watanabe? What he did?' 'I heard he committed suicide. 'Poor Mother.' My sister turned back to the well. I imagine she had some trouble clambering over these walls.' she said. His wife and his two little girls. as I came walking up to her.' 'What happened to . Father was just telling me how Watanabe was a man of principle.' But my sister was once more peering down into the well. He took his whole family with him. 'Well. Kikuko persisted in taking unnecessarily theatrical puffs on her cigarette. I remember.' 'Mother used to tell me that too.' 'I can't see any ghosts. So what is it you're unsure about?' We were following a narrow path that wound through the shrubs and finished by the old well. You can never tell with Father. Then he cut his stomach with a meat knife. poor Mother. 'Mother never really blamed you. hers and Father's. then skipped on ahead of me until she had reached the well.' She looked up and the mischievous grin had returned to her face.' I said. You'll probably like it. that wasn't all. I'm not sure I want to leave them all behind just yet. 'Careful.' 'But I never said it lived down the well. 'Yes.'I see. Apparently she'd been taking a short cut through our garden. 'You were lying to me all the time.' 'Oh yes?' 'Those two beautiful little girls.' she said. 'She always used to say to me how it was their fault.' We both peered over the side.' Kikuko gave a giggle. you know.' 'Do you think I ought to go there?' 'Why not? I don't know. Father might need a hand with the supper.' She grinned again. I like it there. As we walked. 'I can't see any ghosts.' 'Sick. 'Is Father very upset about his firm collapsing?' 'Don't know. casting her gaze about the garden.' she said. 'Do you remember.’ she said. 'There's nothing much left for me now in California. 'how you used to say this well was haunted?' 'Yes.to her? To Vicki?' 'That's all finished with. She even told me once the old woman had confessed to being the ghost. I remained silent.' she said.' Then suddenly she straightened up and turned to me. and that's why I as so good.' 'Yes. but I'm not sure I want to spend so much time with him. 'But I never believed her and never came out here alone. 'She's a good girl.' For some moments my sister did not move. It's my belief that your mother's death was no accident. come here and help. 'Just there I saw it. the kind constructed by children.' He laughed again. 'She was wearing a white kimono. then carried on with what he was doing. Then I noticed something on a low table in the corner of the room. 'Perhaps I should have been a more attentive father. but her back was turned. I had forgotten how large the house was. scattered around it were assorted pieces of grey plastic. And some disappointments. He went on contemplating his battleship. He turned and looked at my sister coldly. He put down the chopsticks he had been holding. She had many worries.'Where is it. 'This house is too large for a man to live in alone. But the rooms were startlingly empty. 'I don't have much use for most of these rooms now.' We both gazed at the battleship. then for a brief moment stood regarding it with a perplexed expression. 'Oh be quiet.' my father said. He gave us a quick glance. 'I hadn't meant to tell you this. You're trying to frighten me all over again. He came up to the table and picked up the model. 'Hardly a skill I'm proud of.' he said. In one of the rooms the lights did not come on. then once more displayed her grin. Then she stepped forward and took an apron hanging from a drawer. Just there. Then he looked up. rather strangely. 'Since the firm folded. . 'You were always so busy.' Kikuko said with a laugh. 'Father's become quit chef since he's had to manage on his own. It had been placed on some newspaper.' I said.' I laughed.' I said. I came nearer and saw it was a plastic model of a battleship. 'Just these vegetables need cooking now.' Kikuko pushed her elbow against my arm. It was dark.' 'But you must have seen something. but it's the best that I do.' But eventually my father opened the door to a room packed full of books and papers. 'The rest just needs watching. It was blowing around a little.' As we left the kitchen I glanced back towards Kikuko. We found my father in the kitchen. 'Some of her hair had come undone. For a moment his face looked almost gentle. 'I have a little more time on my hands. 'A little more time. My father gave a laugh.' she said.' We kept staring at the spot as if mesmerized. 'Kikuko. I followed my father from room to room.' he said to her.' We stared at the spot. The panel would slide open and another room would appear.' my father said quietly. 'Let's see if supper's ready. She kicked some pine needles over it.' He looked at me with a small smile.' She trod on the remains of her cigarette. The light in the garden had grown very dim. and we stared at the dark walls and tatami in the pale light that came from the windows. 'It's a long time since you've seen it.' 'Too busy perhaps.' he said eventually. 'I expect you want to look around the house. She was just standing there. then?' We both looked around at the trees and shrubs.' 'It was an old woman.' he said. Eventually I pointed to a small clearing some ten yards away.' 'That seems odd. There were flowers in vases and pictures on the walls. watching me. 'What did it look like?' 'I couldn't see very well.' Then he looked up and regarded me strangely for some seconds. A cloud of steam rose up and curled towards the lantern. Obediently. He looked at it intently. We bowed to each other before starting the meal. I can't see it very well. they must lose them to things they don't understand. I think it looks fine. There was little conversation. But my ambition was always the air force. There was a large pot left unopened at the centre of the table. casting the rest of the room into shadow. my sister rose to her feet once more and returned the picture to the wall.' 'During the war I spent some time on a ship rather like this.'Surely. We ate on in silence.' he said. 'You must be hungry. You don't see how it is for some parents. Then my eye caught something at the back of the room.' I glanced across the table. Not so much. Finally he said: 'It must feel strange for you. I figured it like this.' No one spoke for a few seconds. She took the photograph down from the wall. 'Your mother. You see. 'It was the dark.' He spun the battleship in his fingers.' He cast an eye around the room. 'I don't suppose you believe in war. Ii gave him the photograph. 'The lowest one. 'These little gunboats here could have been better glued. When I made some polite comment about the food.' His voice had become very hard. My father's face looked stony and forbidding in the halflight. perhaps. 'Who is that? In that photograph there?' 'Which photograph?' My father turned slightly. then my hands became still. being back in Japan. don't you think?' 'Perhaps. The only source of light was a big lantern that hung over the table. Not only must they lose their children.well there was always the final weapon. I went on gazing into the darkness past my father's shoulder. all you could do was struggle in the water hoping for a lifeline.' He put the model back onto the table. came back to the table and gave it to me.' I looked up and noticed my father holding out a hand.' I said eventually. If your ship was struck by the enemy. When Kikuko had seated herself again.' said my father.' 'Not particularly.' 'A little.' my mother didn't expect me to live here for ever. 'You must be hungry. then at me. The others noticed and looked at me. then Kikuko rose to her feet. . you regret leaving America. 'Supper should be ready by now. it's dark. He pushed the pot a little towards me.' he said. Ho looked first at the photograph. One side of his face had fallen into shadow.' 'Already.' Supper was waiting in a dimly lit room next to the kitchen. The old woman in the white kimono. I couldn't see very well. 'She looks a lot older. Her earlier nervousness seemed to have return to her. But in an aeroplane .' 'I see. my father reached forward and lifted the lid.' I said. trying to follow my gaze. Kikuko giggled a little. 'Can't you recognize your own mother?' 'My mother. then held it towards Kikuko. it is a little strange. At first I continued eating. I didn't leave behind much. 'It was taken shortly before her death.' 'Yes.' 'Obviously you don't see.' My father put down his chopsticks. My father did not speak for several minutes. Just some empty rooms. 'Will you stay in Japan for a while?' 'To be honest. 'Father.' When we had finished the meal.' I said.' said my father. My father bowed slightly. That is. 'Yes?' 'Kikuko tells me Watanabe-San took his whole family with him. There's plenty. ‘What is it?' 'Fish. 'Prepare a pot of tea. I'll have to think about it. 'Here. I hadn't thought that far ahead. I looked out into the darkness. my father stretched out his arms and yawned with an air of satisfaction.' I reached forward with my chopsticks.' In amidst soup were strips of fish that had curled almost into balls. The sound of locusts came in from the garden.it was a mistake?' 'Why.' he said. We all reached forward and helped ourselves.' he said at last.' I said to my father. you would be very welcome. My father stood up.' I gazed out once more into the darkness. Do you see it otherwise?' 'No. 'Some more?' 'There's plenty for all of us.' 'Perhaps. if you don't mind living with an old man.' 'You think what he did . The large sliding windows had been left open. 'Watanabe was very devoted to his work.' I took a little more. I watched him take several pieces to his bowl. You'll no doubt return to America before long. bringing in a breeze from the garden. 'Let's retire to the other room.' 'Thank you. It felt soft.' 'Thank you.' My father lifted the lid and once more steam rose up. I picked one out and brought it to my bowl. Of course not. I fear it must have weakened his judgement. It's rather warm in here.' he said again. 'What do you think you will do now?' my father asked.' 'Thank you. please. Then we both watched as Kikuko served herself. 'You must be hungry. 'But of course. of course. The steam was almost scalding. I don't know yet. then pushed the pot towards my father. 'Help yourself. I mean here in this house.'Thank you. The well was no longer visible. 'The collapse of the firm was a great blow to him.' The three of us ate on in silence.' 'It smells very good. Several minutes went by.' We fell silent again.' 'There are other things besides work. quite fleshy against my tongue.' 'Yes.' My sister looked at him. 'you have this last piece.' 'If you wish to stay here.' I said.' My father lowered his eyes and nodded. 'this house is so dreary now. He took some fish to his mouth and started to eat. Then I too chose a piece and put it in my mouth. finally.' I got to my feet and followed him into the tea-room. For some moments he seemed deep in thoughts. 'Kikuko. 'What is it?' 'Just fish.' . 'Very good.' 'It's very good. no. then left the room without comment. For a while we sat in silence. 'Kikuko is due to complete her studies next spring. Then he looked up and sighed.' 'Things will improve then. 'Perhaps she will want to come home then. . waiting for Kikuko to bring the tea.' 'Yes. I'm sure they will.'No doubt you will.' he said. She's a good girl.' We fell silent once more.' For some time my father seemed to be studying the back of his hands.' 'Perhaps she will. 3 Apparently. We were sitting on the tatami floor of his tea room. He rolls about in agony for a few hours and is dead by morning. When we finally arrived. I was living in California.eager to please his estranged son .Kazuo Ishiguro A Family Supper Fugu is a fish caught off the Pacific shores of Japan. on the way home? 4 This introduces another main issue: why was the mother so anxious to please this friend? Was the friend a woman? Possibly. is indeed still a novice in the art of cooking.2 At the time of my mother's death. then to invite neighbours and friends round for the feast. would you risk your life to please an old friend? 5 Chronologically.and the second. 1 .quite neutral . The poison resides in the sexual glands of the fish. which conveys very important information about the emotional life of the narrator. space is treated by Ishiguro with a delicate touch. 6 Try to count the times the father refers to food and eating . Regrettably. it was nearing the end of a sunny autumn day. And why would the fish have become so popular after the war? Did the Japanese suddenly turn reckless. Notice the constant but discreet references to the time of the day and. 7 Just like the time of day and the light. if they were old school friends. one wonders. We are always unsure whether he is being extremely polite . but on this particular occasion she had made an exception. 2 The information about fugu is correct and clearly shows this story is written with a non-Japanese readership in mind. we wonder. it is not easy to tell whether or not this operation has been carried out successfully. this short story is quite simple as it develops throughout the evening that includes the family supper. Just think: in this paragraph we are indirectly and aseptically told about the painful death of the narrator’s mother.7 'They gave me a light snack. then.5 'Did you eat6 on the plane?' my father asked.1 Fugu poisoning is hideously painful and almost always fatal. for any clumsiness will result in the poison leaking into the veins. When preparing the fish. and why does the father choose to tell him this as soon as he lands. The proof is. If the fish has been eaten during the evening. The fish became extremely popular in Japan after the war. After this second sentence.4 It was my father who supplied me with the details as we drove from the airport to his house in the Kamakura district. Until stricter regulations were imposed. The fish has held a special significance for me ever since my mother died through eating one. we learn later. My relationship with my parents had become somewhat strained around that period. the neutral tone predominates again. having been invited by an old schoolfriend whom she was anxious not to offend.rather than “somewhat strained” if it took 2 years for the son to learn about how the mother died. my mother has always refused to eat fugu. making it very hard to know what kind of person the narrator is. the fading light. it was all the rage to perform the hazardous gutting operation in one's own kitchen. We always know where in the house the characters are.' Note the clash between the first sentence . above all. but. Unless we assume he (?) is a highly unemotional person. Why. as you will see. these bags must be removed with caution.or planning something. inside two fragile bags. careless about life? 3 Note: the relationship must have been practically broken . We'll eat as soon as Kikuko arrives. in the eating. Why wasn’t he told before. the victim is usually overtaken by pain during his sleep. has the narrator not chosen to tell us about how much his mother suffered directly? The paragraph also plants the seed of doubt as we are told that inexpert cooks can poison their guests by serving incorrectly prepared fugu.' 'You must be hungry.many. The narrator’s father. as it were. and consequently I did not learn of the circumstances surrounding her death until I returned to Tokyo two years later. I'm too old to involve myself in new ventures now.' 'Perhaps we should forget it. Watanabe killed himself. who is remarkably silent . I think now in retrospect that he much resembled Chou En . the story reverses the terms: the father talks more than the son. although he would not have cherished such a comparison. It is even suggested that the mother was the real authority in the home.' he said. as you can see. 8 . 'I am . Neither did Watanabe. Watanabe’s suicide and the father’s respect appear to be aspects of typical Japanese culture. Like many others.upset as she was by your behaviour.' 'I appreciate your sympathy. Your mother too was always ready to welcome you back .' 'I've come to believe now that there were no evil intentions in your mind. 11 A cryptic but important conversation: later we learn that. 'A fine man. I'm not sure what my plans are. as you suggest. proud. Note how in this conversation the father expresses his eagerness for the son to return home and does not really behave in the authoritarian way of the past.' I said when neither of us had spoken for some time. 'After the firm's collapse. His return home. More tea?'11 The characterisation of the father presents him as a typical patriarchal.' 'I for one am prepared to forget the past. Dealing with foreigners. precisely what the story questions. the terrible act that so much offended the dead mother was the son’s decision to leave Japan for California to live with a foreign girl (Vicky). neither were things helped much by his odd way of stating each remark as if it were the concluding one.looking man with a large stony jaw and furious black eyebrows. seems due to the collapse of this relationship. we eventually learn. I respected him very much. upper-class Japanese man of the old guard: authoritarian. 'I'm glad in any case that you've decided to come back.in retirement. our conversation since my arrival at the airport had been punctuated by long pauses. aristocratic (the samurai blood). the son too much.' my father said. 'You were swayed by certain . I don't understand how we've come to this. apparently. 'In fact the story didn't end here.' 'We were partners for seventeen years.' 'As you will.8 'I'm sorry to hear about the firm. being particularly proud of the pure samurai blood that ran in the family.lai.' my father continued. He didn't wish to live with the disgrace. The theme of the negative influence of foreign ideas is central to the estrangement of the son from his family. I was just visible now through the thick foliage. From where I sat I could make out the ancient well which as a child I had believed haunted. As I say. 10 Note also how the sympathy towards Watanabe relies on the father’s belief in a certain Japanese business code in which the foreign ‘intrusion’ is destructive.influences. Inevitably. A man of principle. The sun had sunk low and much of the garden had fallen into shadow. a boyhood memory came back to me of the time he had strucked me several times around the head for 'chattering like an old woman'. Doing things their way. 'More than a short visit. imposing.'9 'Will you go into business again?' I asked. His general presence was not one which encouraged relaxed conversation.My father was a formidable . I hope. Curiously.' 'I see.'10 The tea .room looked out over the garden.even when alone with his chattering sister Kikuko. In fact. 9 Of course. A man of principle and honour. as I sat opposite him that afternoon. He nodded gravely.' 'I'm not sure what my plans will be.' He sighed. The childhood memory of the narrator establishes a main difference between the two men: the father talks too little. with a touch of the military (the reference to Chou En-lai). Business these days has become so different.hence the pauses . 16 The brother understands on two grounds: this is. Then quite suddenly she decided we should walk in the garden and went striding out onto the veranda.'16 She grinned again. And Suchi . This difference is what causes her to giggle all the time and what makes conversation between the father and his children practically impossible. she was chatting freely about her friends in Osaka and about her classes at university. Kikuko persisted in taking unnecessarily theatrical puffs on her cigarette.' 'Quite understandable.' Despite our differences in years. 13 The father apologises because the kitchen is not his natural place. 'Guess what? I've got a boyfriend now.' My sister relaxed quite visibly once he had left the room. 12 If Kikuko is a college girl about to finish her studies. she must be 21/22. the conversation had become even sparser than prior to Kikuko's arrival. possibly. but I'm not sure I want to spend so much time with him.' 'I see. living on campus in Osaka and she’s only home to welcome her brother. 'At last. 'Kikuko has arrived. 'Well. She in turn asked me a few questions. at least.13 Kikuko will look after you. He cooks because he has had to learn after the death of his wife. .hour. she thinks hitch-hiking in the USA is like hitch-hiking in Osaka and the idea of going to America is not really hers but her boyfriend’s.' Kikuko waved a thumb in front of my face. The narrator must be in. my sister and I had always been close. 15 A smile that proves her father is completely deceived as to what kind of girl she is. He wants me to go with him as soon as I finish studying. Then my father stood up.15 'Oh I see. Kikuko is. but she seemed inhibited by the fear that her questions might lead to awkward topics. saying: 'I must attend to the supper. So what is it you're unsure about?' We were following a narrow path that wound through the shrubs and finished by the old well.hike.14 'I've been dying for a smoke for the last half . And you want to go America?' 'If we go. we do not know at this point that he is a man. then grinned mischievously. Kikuko is two girls: the formal daughter and the informal sister. remember. what he felt like when he left and. 14 Clearly. second. I'm not sure I want to leave them all behind just yet. lighting a cigarette. and we assume so when girlfriend Vicky is mentioned. She answered him with short formal replies. then skipped on ahead of me until she had reached the well. We put on some straw sandals that had been left along the veranda rail and stepped out into the garden. I like it there. As we walked. Please excuse me for being burdened down by such matters.I like him.' she said. Actually. his late 20s or early 30s. we're going to hitch . he sees through Kikuko’s naïveté: she can’t even smoke properly. After a while. 'People say it's dangerous. he's making plans to go to America.12 Seeing me again seemed to make her excessively excited and for a while she didn't nothing but giggle nervously.Just then a girl's voice came echoing through the house. Within a few minutes. but I've done it in Osaka and it's fine. I haven't made up my mind yet. But she calmed down somewhat when my father started to question her about Osaka and her university.' 'I see. The daylight had almost gone.' I said. I've got lots of friends now in Osaka. Do you understand?' 'Oh perfectly.' 'Oh yes?' 'Except I'm wondering what to do. 'Then why didn't you smoke?' She made a furtive gesture back towards the house.' 'You see.' My father rose to his feet. Later in the story.' she said. as she has also failed to bring up Kikuko to her liking. 'Perhaps we'd better go in soon. 'There's nothing much left for me now in California. in a new voice. I'll have to see. Father was just telling me how Watanabe was a man of principle.'17 Kikuko gave a giggle. 'But I never believed her and never came out here alone. He took his whole family with him.' I glanced towards the house.' 'Yes.’ she said. She even told me once the old woman had confessed to being the ghost. His wife and his two little girls. Apparently she'd been taking a short cut through our garden.' she said.' 'Well.'Do you remember. 'how you used to say this well was haunted?' 'Yes. The events described by Kikuko are 17 . 'She always used to say to me how it was their fault. as a traditional Japanese girl. whom he took for a ghost.'19 But my sister was once more peering down into the well. I remained silent. casting her gaze about the garden. hers and Father's. 'Mother never really blamed you.' My sister turned back to the well. There are two ways of reading this: either he had a premonition of his mother’s death (years before she died…) or she was returning from a secret assignment that night.' 'Oh yes?' 'Those two beautiful little girls. Then he cut his stomach with a meat knife. Her voice echoed a little. telling him an absurd story about the women being the old vegetable store woman. as I came walking up to her. She then turned her back to the well.' 'Sick. of course. 'Did he tell you about old Watanabe? What he did?' 'I heard he committed suicide. I imagine she had some trouble clambering over these walls. She used to tell me how much more careful they'd been with me. 'I can't see any ghosts. 18 Poor mother. Father might need a hand with the supper.to her? To Vicki?' 'That's all finished with.20 This is the strangest element in the story: the narrator saw one night a woman in the garden dressed in white. 19 For a brother and sister who are said to be very close. The mother tried to convince him he was wrong. for not bringing you up correctly. you know.' she said. You can never tell with Father.'18 'Are you going back to California?' 'I don't know. 'Mother always told me it was the old woman from the vegetable store you'd seen that night.' I said.' 'Mother used to tell me that too.' She looked up and the mischievous grin had returned to her face. I remember.' she said.' We both peered over the side. it is quite remarkable how reluctant the narrator is to discuss his failed love life or the appeal of America. poor Mother. 20 Since there are no indications about the positioning of the bodies of the characters or the tone of their voice. and that's why I as so good.' 'Do you think I ought to go there?' 'Why not? I don't know. You'll probably like it. the dialogue about Watanabe’s death is quite hard to visualise. the narrator identifies the ghost in a picture of his mother taken before she died. that wasn't all. 'Yes. 'Poor Mother. 'Is Father very upset about his firm collapsing?' 'Don't know.' Then suddenly she straightened up and turned to me.' 'What happened to . He turned on the gas while they were all asleep. ' he said eventually.' She trod on the remains of her cigarette. 'This house is too large for a man to live in alone. then once more displayed her grin. proud of his skills for he has not chosen to perform a woman’s task.' my father said quietly. and we stared at the dark walls and tatami in the pale light that came from the windows. 'She was wearing a white kimono. She was just standing there. 22 This tour of the house suggests that the father must feel very.' Kikuko pushed her elbow against my arm. then carried on with what he was doing.' Kikuko said with a laugh. 'Father's become quit chef since he's had to manage on his own. I followed my father from room to room. Eventually I pointed to a small clearing some ten yards away. We found my father in the kitchen. 'Kikuko. come here and help. watching me. He put down the chopsticks he had been holding.22 In one of the rooms the lights did not come on. 'The rest just needs watching. It was blowing around a little. 'Just there I saw it. Just there. The panel would slide open and another room would appear.' 'But I never said it lived down the well. You'll fall right in. You're trying to frighten me all over again.' But eventually my father opened the door to a room packed full of books and papers. then for a brief moment stood regarding it with a perplexed expression. He gave us a quick glance. 'I don't have much use for most of these rooms now. 'Hardly a skill I'm proud of. 'It's a long time since you've seen it. then?' We both looked around at the trees and shrubs.' We kept staring at the spot as if mesmerized. 'You were lying to me all the time.' my father said. She kicked some pine needles over it. Then I noticed something on a low table in the corner of the room. It was dark. My father gave a laugh. 21 The father is not. the kind constructed by children. It had been placed on some newspaper. Then she stepped forward and took an apron hanging from a drawer. 'What did it look like?' 'I couldn't see very well. He came up to the table and picked up the model. 'She's a good girl.' We stared at the spot. of course. yet the narrator reacts to them with just a brief ‘Oh.' she said. I had forgotten how large the house was.' 'But you must have seen something.' I said. 'I expect you want to look around the house.' Then he looked up and regarded me strangely for some seconds. The light in the garden had grown very dim.' he said. There were flowers in vases and pictures on the walls. very lonely in his huge empty house and also that he is showing the son around to prompt him to take one of the rooms and return home.'Careful. 'Oh be quiet. scattered around it were assorted pieces of grey plastic.' 'Where is it.' 'It was an old woman. I came nearer and saw it was a plastic model of a battleship. 'Let's see if supper's ready.' 'I can't see any ghosts.'21 For some moments my sister did not move.' she said. 'Some of her hair had come undone. . 'Just these vegetables need cooking now. But the rooms were startlingly empty. shocking. Kikuko’s laughter is here practically an insult. He turned and looked at my sister coldly. yes’ and the conversation returns to the ghost again.' he said to her. but her back was turned.' As we left the kitchen I glanced back towards Kikuko. Not only must they lose their children. 'A little more time.'Since the firm folded. 'Surely. you regret leaving America. 'The lowest one. But in an aeroplane . they must lose them to things they don't understand. 'I don't suppose you believe in war. Finally he said: 'It must feel strange for you.' 'Already. then my hands became still.' 'That seems odd.' He spun the battleship in his fingers. Then my eye caught something at the back of the room. all you could do was struggle in the water hoping for a lifeline. It is hard to guess what Ishiguro is aiming at here. Notice also that the father’s hobby refers back to war.'23 I laughed.' 'Yes. We bowed to each other before starting the meal. perhaps.' he said. My father did not speak for several minutes. Ho looked first at the photograph. to say the least. And some disappointments. My father's face looked stony and forbidding in the halflight. specifically to World War II in which Japan was deprived of its own military power. 'Who is that? In that photograph there?' 'Which photograph?' My father turned slightly. I think it looks fine. When I made some polite comment about the food. 'I have a little more time on my hands.' my mother didn't expect me to live here for ever. The others noticed and looked at me. 23 Notice the forced laughter used by both characters and the veiled recrimination from son to father: you were too busy to be a good father. casting the rest of the room into shadow. The old woman in the white kimono. There was little conversation. He went on contemplating his battleship.' I said.' 'Not particularly. Just some empty rooms.' 'A little. the mother may have wished to die but the method she apparently chose is bizarre. If your ship was struck by the enemy. surely. I didn't leave behind much. trying to follow my gaze.24 'Supper should be ready by now.well there was always the final weapon.' 'Too busy perhaps.' he said. being back in Japan. She had many worries. for. it is a little strange. 'I hadn't meant to tell you this. don't you think?' 'Perhaps.' He laughed again. We ate on in silence. Not so much.' I said eventually. It's my belief that your mother's death was no accident. 'You were always so busy. Later the father makes specific reference to his part in the war. You don't see how it is for some parents. 'You must be hungry. rather strangely.' We both gazed at the battleship. For a moment his face looked almost gentle.' I glanced across the table.' He looked at me with a small smile.' 'I see.' Supper was waiting in a dimly lit room next to the kitchen. 'Perhaps I should have been a more attentive father.' He put the model back onto the table.' 'Obviously you don't see. Her earlier nervousness seemed to have return to her.' He cast an eye around the room. then at me. 24 Another strange conversation mixing the topic of war and the suggestion that the mother may have somehow committed suicide. I figured it like this. But my ambition was always the air force. . The only source of light was a big lantern that hung over the table.' 'During the war I spent some time on a ship rather like this. I went on gazing into the darkness past my father's shoulder. but it's the best that I do.' My father put down his chopsticks. 'These little gunboats here could have been better glued. Kikuko giggled a little. At first I continued eating. Then he looked up. ' My sister looked at him. You see.' I said. One side of his face had fallen into shadow.' I looked up and noticed my father holding out a hand. then left the room without comment. quite fleshy against my tongue.can’t we? . And the reader can’t help suspecting . 'It was the dark.' I said.27 My father stood up. 'Very good.' he said again. I can't see it very well. He took some fish to his mouth and started to eat.' The three of us ate on in silence.' No one spoke for a few seconds. 'Kikuko. my sister rose to her feet once more and returned the picture to the wall.' 'Thank you. 'You must be hungry.' My father lifted the lid and once more steam rose up. 'You must be hungry.' he said. 'What is it?' 'Just fish. ‘What is it?' 'Fish. then Kikuko rose to her feet.' In amidst soup were strips of fish that had curled almost into balls.' 'It's very good. The steam was almost scalding. my father stretched out his arms and yawned with an air of satisfaction.' I said to my father. b) she aged dramatically due to his leaving for America.' When we had finished the meal. then pushed the pot towards my father. 26 The story opens with a reference to a poisonous fish and moves onto the tragic events surrounding Watanabe’s death. 'Help yourself.' I reached forward with my chopsticks.'26 'It smells very good. When Kikuko had seated herself again. please. Ii gave him the photograph. or the children are being nice to him and eating it all up. Or both. 'Here.' I took a little more.25 'It was taken shortly before her death.' His voice had become very hard. 'She looks a lot older.that this may be fugu and that the father is repeating Watanabe’s act. He pushed the pot a little towards me. 'Some more?' 'There's plenty for all of us. but if the narrator feels his mother looks in the photo ‘a lot older’ this can be because a) he left when he was roughly Kikuko’s age or. I picked one out and brought it to my bowl. There was a large pot left unopened at the centre of the table. Alternatively.' 'Thank you. Obediently. 'Let's retire to the other room. 'Thank you. We all reached forward and helped ourselves. It's rather warm in here. I watched him take several pieces to his bowl. At this point the characters start eating an unidentified fish the father has prepared. it's dark.' he said. Several minutes went by. came back to the table and gave it to me. then held it towards Kikuko. Then I too chose a piece and put it in my mouth. he’s just being modest about his excellent skills as a cook. She took the photograph down from the wall. There's plenty.'Your mother.' said my father. He looked at it intently. 27 Poor Kikuko is not too happy about being treated in this way by her father… . 'you have this last piece. It felt soft. I couldn't see very well. My father bowed slightly. my father reached forward and lifted the lid. 'Prepare a pot of tea.' 25 The chronology of events is uncertain. 'Can't you recognize your own mother?' 'My mother. Then we both watched as Kikuko served herself. A cloud of steam rose up and curled towards the lantern. You'll no doubt return to America before long. 'Kikuko is due to complete her studies next spring. 'Will you stay in Japan for a while?' 'To be honest. no.' 'Thank you.' 'Perhaps she will.I got to my feet and followed him into the tea-room.' We fell silent once more. She's a good girl.' 'No doubt you will.' said my father. That is. 'this house is so dreary now.' 'There are other things besides work. I looked out into the darkness. The sound of locusts came in from the garden.' 'You think what he did . 'What do you think you will do now?' my father asked.' I said. Do you see it otherwise?' 'No.' 'Yes.' he said at last. 'Father. I'm sure they will. 'The collapse of the firm was a great blow to him. Then he looked up and sighed. but still quite mysterious: why didn’t the father tell his son about the terrible end of his business partner.' For some time my father seemed to be studying the back of his hands.' 'Perhaps. 'Yes?' 'Kikuko tells me Watanabe-San took his whole family with him. I mean here in this house. The well was no longer visible.' My father lowered his eyes and nodded. 'But of course. bringing in a breeze from the garden. if you don't mind living with an old man. I'll have to think about it.' 'Yes.it was a mistake?' 'Why. Of course not. For a while we sat in silence.' he said. described by him as a ‘man of principle’? The brief dialogue is meant to dispel the reader’s suspicions but also opens another issue: what has become for the father more important than work? 29 The final conversation strikes a note of very deep loneliness: we notice the father’s eagerness for his children to return home and offer him company. you would be very welcome. of course. 'Perhaps she will want to come home then. Kikuko’s deception and how her eventually leaving for the USA will shatter the old man. I hadn't thought that far ahead. 'Watanabe was very devoted to his work. I don't know yet.' 'If you wish to stay here. waiting for Kikuko to bring the tea.29 28 A crucial exchange. the narrator’s lack of general direction in his life… Will things really improve? . I fear it must have weakened his judgement.'28 We fell silent again. For some moments he seemed deep in thoughts.' I gazed out once more into the darkness.' 'Things will improve then. The large sliding windows had been left open. finally.