Post by Alexis Iguina on Dec 1, 2015 17:47:35 GMT
I think it's interesting that Mukoda Kuniko describes that carp's eyes using the word "vinyl". The word has a double meaning. It's used for the simple fact that like the fish eyes, a vinyl is black and circular. However, I think it's also used because it is a recording mechanism. Obviously, the eyes of the fish can't record, but it is symbolic of the past. Before it was placed in Shiomura's home, it was in the home of his mistress, specifically in an area above their heads. It made Shiomura uncomfortable when it was in the mistress house because he felt like it was watching him. Now that it was in his home, it made him uncomfortable because it had seen the acts of infidelity. Moreover, the author mentions that "from an evolutionary standpoint, humans are closer to fish" and that they are the "ancestors of the vertebrates on land (p.339)." This adds on to the symbolic meaning of the eyes, because the fish is elevated to a all-knowing creature.
I think that Mamoru says "bow wow" in the end because he wanted a pet and now that Mr. Carp, his first pet, died, it was an opportunity to get an even bigger and more lively one, thus the sound of a dog. Earlier, he had to protest to get Mr. Carp, even sacrificing his chance to get roller skates. Also, it was said that he was usually quiet but while protesting to keep the fish "he spoke up" and "would not back down (p.336)." Now that the fish was dead, he could get something that's better than any toy. It would probably work because as he said "bow wow" he was looking down at the fish and poking it. Perhaps, this image would evoke pity from his parents. I also think he said "bow wow" because he didn't want to be used as leverage for his mom's suspicions. Throughout the story, Shiomura had show signs of knowing the fish hitherto it's mysterious appearance at his house such as raising his voice when Mayumi questioned about him having friends that fished and always being caught by Mayaumi watching the fish. When Mr. Carp had begun to stunk the house she wouldn't look at the fish but "stared insolently at Shiomura" as if she knew it was his fault for the fish being there. Thus it can be concluded she suspected that the fish was not there at random and he had something to do with it. After taking Mamoru to the part of town where Tsuyoko lives, Mamoru probably had some idea that his father knew someone here and often visited that person. Thus when his mother questioned him, to relieve the tension caused by the strange appearance of the Mr. Carp, he didn't give her an answer that would confirm her suspicions.
Question: One criticism I have of this story is that we didn't get to know Tsuyuko more. For example, we learn she got the carp to bear with the loneliness that came after Shiomura returned to his family. Yet we didn't get a clear reason why she gave it to Shiomura after he "abandondened" her. So my question is why would she do this? The author mentions "was it a sign that she was angry, or a kind of revenge?"
I think that Mamoru says "bow wow" in the end because he wanted a pet and now that Mr. Carp, his first pet, died, it was an opportunity to get an even bigger and more lively one, thus the sound of a dog. Earlier, he had to protest to get Mr. Carp, even sacrificing his chance to get roller skates. Also, it was said that he was usually quiet but while protesting to keep the fish "he spoke up" and "would not back down (p.336)." Now that the fish was dead, he could get something that's better than any toy. It would probably work because as he said "bow wow" he was looking down at the fish and poking it. Perhaps, this image would evoke pity from his parents. I also think he said "bow wow" because he didn't want to be used as leverage for his mom's suspicions. Throughout the story, Shiomura had show signs of knowing the fish hitherto it's mysterious appearance at his house such as raising his voice when Mayumi questioned about him having friends that fished and always being caught by Mayaumi watching the fish. When Mr. Carp had begun to stunk the house she wouldn't look at the fish but "stared insolently at Shiomura" as if she knew it was his fault for the fish being there. Thus it can be concluded she suspected that the fish was not there at random and he had something to do with it. After taking Mamoru to the part of town where Tsuyoko lives, Mamoru probably had some idea that his father knew someone here and often visited that person. Thus when his mother questioned him, to relieve the tension caused by the strange appearance of the Mr. Carp, he didn't give her an answer that would confirm her suspicions.
Question: One criticism I have of this story is that we didn't get to know Tsuyuko more. For example, we learn she got the carp to bear with the loneliness that came after Shiomura returned to his family. Yet we didn't get a clear reason why she gave it to Shiomura after he "abandondened" her. So my question is why would she do this? The author mentions "was it a sign that she was angry, or a kind of revenge?"
