A Family Supper Flashcards
“held a special significance for me ever since my mother died”
This serpentine alliteration seems sinister and disturbingly detached - the son seems to have a cold, emotionless attitude to his mother, which suggests to us as readers that their relationship was in some way damaged.
“nearing the end of a sunny autumn day”
Ishiguro’s use of pathetic fallacy here mirrors the increased tension the son feels on returning home after his happy days in America. The use of the phrase “nearing the end” could also be foreshadowing to the ambiguous ending of the story.
“formidable-looking man … large stony jaw… furious black eyebrows”
This description hints at the hierarchical authority the father has over his son, due to the institutionalised culture of respect in Japan. The narrator seems to perceive him as an enemy.
“he took his whole family with him”
This reveals the importance of pride in Japanese culture - honour is valued over family; this could possibly foreshadow the ambiguous ending.
“could have been better glued”, “I think it looks fine”
This subtle symbolism reveals the father’s admittance of the broken bonds within their family. The son, however, doesn’t see these subtle fractures in the relationship, perceiving everything to be adequate.
“what is it?”
“Just fish”
The stichomythia of this conversation makes it seem forced and builds tension. The repeated questioning portrays the son as mistrustful, leading us as readers to further doubt the truth of the father’s words.
“into the darkness”
This anaphoric image emphasise the sinister secrets of the family, whilst simultaneously suggesting a sense of finality.
