Book 2 Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, Week 3, Blog 1 pages 280 - End

But now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper.” (Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha 428)

In this last phrase of the novel Sayuri reveals her knowledge of the journey of life. She reveals that life is never predictable, and that no matter in which direction one is headed, the wind can blow you the other way.

This is one of the most important and powerful quotes in the novel. Arthur Golden chose this phrase as the last because it leaves the reader evaluating their own meaning of life. What is life if this wave can come crashing back down on the ocean? One’s own world can bleed away and be altered forever. When one experiences great triumph or struggle in their life, it can all change like watery ink does on paper.

Sayuri has been through so much in her life, and has experienced struggles and triumphs as mentioned. It is evident that she knows what she is talking about, and her advice is worth pondering. The readers are left breathless as they read this final line of the novel and connect with Sayuri herself as they question their own existence, their path, and their journey.

This quote was chosen because of the inspirational context of it. Sayuri teaches the readers to be appreciative of life’s gifts. Not for a second should one take for granted the triumphs in life, because it can all change in a split second. Sayuri had to give away being one of the top geisha in the country, to struggling to survive because of the war. She also makes it a point to remain strong and stay true to your beliefs when life presents an obstacle. She was a rock when it came to facing difficulties. Not only did she make peace with the death of her parents, the disappearance of her sister, and the toils of the journey to becoming a geisha, but Sayuri battled the distress of living through the war, and having next to nothing each day.

Sayuri comes to life as she narrates through pain, struggle, and the way of life. She is an inspiration and a muse to every woman, and because of Arthur Golden, her story is told in the most brilliant and emotionally stimulating means.