Why is it there is always such violence between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law? Doesn't daughter-in-law, in time, become mother-in-law? Why does she then always treat her own daughter-in-law to a lashing tongue and make her life a misery, and why does that girl do the same in her turn? Doesn't anyone learn?
The passage from James Clavell's "Shōgun" highlights a long-standing conflict between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, questioning why this cycle of animosity persists through generations. It reflects on the irony that daughters-in-law eventually become mothers-in-law yet often repeat the harsh treatment they once experienced, perpetuating a cycle of discord.
This dynamic raises important questions about societal roles and expectations placed on women. It suggests that, despite personal experiences, the ingrained nature of these relationships fosters an environment where cruelty and criticism continue, leaving individuals trapped in a pattern of behavior that seems resistant to change.
