You cannot say to the sun, or to the rain, To a man, geisha can only be half a wife. We are the wives of nightfall. And yet, to learn kindness after so much unkindness, to understand that a little girl with more courage than she knew, would find her prayers were answered, can that not be called happiness? After all these are not the memoirs of an empress, nor of a queen. These are memoirs of another kind.
This excerpt from 'Memoirs of a Geisha' poignantly captures the complexity of identity and societal roles, especially through the lens of a geisha's life. The metaphor of being "wives of nightfall" beautifully conveys a unique existence lived apart from traditional daytime roles, suggesting both limitation and profound dignity in that experience. The passage challenges the notion that a geisha's role is lesser or incomplete compared to traditional wives, asserting a deep and proud identity central to the nighttime cultural sphere.
Moreover, the reflection on kindness learned after unkindness speaks to personal growth and resilience. The idea that a young girl, despite adversity, maintains courage and eventually witnesses her prayers answered is a testament to hope and perseverance. This moment of recognized happiness is quiet and intimate, contrasting sharply with grand historical memoirs of empresses or queens, reminding us that every life story—no matter how seemingly ordinary or overlooked—holds profound meaning.
Overall, the quote encourages readers to reconsider preconceptions about roles and happiness, highlighting that fulfillment can come in many forms and that strength is often forged through hardship. It invites empathy and respect for lives lived in often unseen realms and celebrates the power of personal courage and quiet triumphs in the face of societal constraints.
