1. Frame Story/Nested Narratives:
* Structure: The novel is structured as a frame story, with Naomi, the main character, recounting the memories of her childhood and the Japanese Canadian internment experience to her aunt, Obasan. This allows for the exploration of complex themes like memory, trauma, and identity from multiple perspectives.
* Effect: The nested narratives create a sense of depth and complexity, allowing the reader to delve into the emotional impact of the events on different generations. It also highlights the struggle to reconcile personal experiences with collective history.
2. Magical Realism:
* Examples: The novel incorporates elements of magical realism, such as the recurring image of the "white bird" that symbolizes the spirit of Naomi's mother and the motif of the "empty house" representing the loss and displacement experienced by Japanese Canadians.
* Effect: These elements create a dreamlike atmosphere, blurring the line between reality and memory, and suggesting the enduring impact of trauma on the characters' psyche.
3. Symbolism:
* Examples: Obasan herself symbolizes resilience and cultural preservation, the "cherry blossoms" represent beauty and transience, and the "train" symbolizes displacement and loss.
* Effect: Symbolism allows for layers of meaning to be embedded in the narrative, enriching the reader's understanding of the characters' experiences and the complexities of the historical events.
4. Repetition:
* Examples: Phrases, words, and even entire scenes are repeated throughout the novel, often with slight variations. This can be seen in Naomi's obsessive recall of specific events or the recurring imagery of the internment camps.
* Effect: Repetition emphasizes the trauma and reinforces the cyclical nature of memory, suggesting that the past continues to shape the present.
5. Interweaving of Personal and Historical Narratives:
* Structure: The novel seamlessly blends individual stories with historical accounts of the Japanese Canadian internment experience, blurring the lines between personal and collective trauma.
* Effect: This interweaving creates a powerful and complex narrative that underscores the importance of understanding the past and its lasting impact on individuals and communities.
6. Metaphor and Simile:
* Examples: Kogawa employs metaphors and similes to create vivid imagery and explore abstract concepts. Examples include the "desert" used to represent the barren landscape of the internment camps and the "broken mirror" used to symbolize fragmented identity.
* Effect: These figurative devices enhance the emotional impact of the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters' experiences on a deeper level.
7. Use of Silence and Gaps:
* Examples: The novel often leaves gaps in the narrative, allowing the reader to fill in the missing pieces and reflect on the unspoken experiences of the characters. This can be seen in Naomi's initial reluctance to fully engage with her memories.
* Effect: Silence and gaps create a sense of suspense and mystery, inviting the reader to actively participate in the process of understanding and interpreting the narrative.
These are just a few of the literary devices employed in "Obasan." Their effective use contributes to the novel's powerful impact, exploring themes of memory, loss, identity, and resilience in the context of the Japanese Canadian internment experience.