Seventeen Syllables

Yamamoto writes Tome’s story from Rosie’s point of view. What does this narrative frame add to the story that would otherwise be missing if the story used Tome’s point of view instead?

Consider Mr. Hayashi’s role in the story. Is he a sympathetic figure? How does his arc and characterization inform the story’s themes? How might you justify his anger in the situation?

There are two examples of Japanese American wives and mothers in the story: Mrs. Hayashi and Mrs. Hayano. Examining both, what is the story saying about the nature of this gender role?