Significance Of Moon In Kitchen By Banana Yoshimoto

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Which symbol or motif do you think is most powerful in the text?
The moon is a powerful motif throughout the novel Kitchen, used by Banana Yoshimoto in order to signify Mikage’s journey and her acceptance of life itself. Mikage often fixates on the moon, making it a key focal point within the novel.
The reader learns that Mikage has yet to cry over the death of her grandmother and has not yet dealt with the overwhelming emotion regarding the situation. In this scene, the moon represents the notion that light shines even in the darkest moments of our lives, “my eye came to rest on the still-new moon making its gentle way across the sky.” The adjective ‘gentle’ softens the atmosphere and creates a peaceful feeling. This is contrasted to the following breakdown as she gets off the bus, “tears were flooding out.” Connotations of ‘flooding’ emphasizes the uncontrollable nature of it as floods are typically nature’s doing, a force to be reckoned with; this implication emphasizes how overwhelmed Mikage is. A ‘new moon’ symbolizes new beginnings, relating to Mikage’s recovery from her sudden breakdown. In addition, Mikage is now in a refreshed state as a result of dealing with the death of grandmother in a very emotional way, “unburdened after my good cry, I slept like a baby.” By linking Mikage to a baby, Yoshimoto is able to emphasize the idea of peace and acceptance. The moon’s symbolic meaning emphasizes the impact this pivotal point has on Mikage’s future as it is as if she has been reborn. This scene is strangely uplifting for the reader as by releasing her grief, Mikage is left feeling so much happier and more content. The moon is then seen as a symbol of both despair and acceptance.
The moon reappears again when Mikage and Yuichi...

... middle of paper ...

...ent within the novel as Mikage has personally found the answer to the meaning of life. The meaning of life is the theme portrayed here through the use of the moon’s presence; it links to existentialism, a philosophical approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. Yoshimoto frequently writes of existentialism associated with young adults and has succeeded in making Mikage an engaging character for readers to relate to.
Conclusively, the moon is present during important moments within the novel and despite sometimes being noticed by Mikage, it still plays a role in implying certain themes and recurring notions such as finding the light within despair and new beginnings. Mikage’s journey through ‘Kitchen’ is effectively highlighted with the use of the moon.

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