Memoirs of a Geisha spends a lot of time talking about ritual. And there's a good reason for that: the life of a geisha is super-ritualized, with hours spent putting on makeup, doing hair, and wrapping themselves in glorious silk kimono. But we can't forget one important part of a geisha's morning—well, afternoon, since they sleep until noon—routine: checking their horoscopes.
Geisha are a superstitious lot. Maybe because they feel like they got into the profession by a cruel twist of fate, they always want to take a guess as to where fate will lead them. As a result, they put great stock in their almanac.
Questions About Fate and Free Will
- Why are geisha superstitious? Do you think their fortunes are accurate or inaccurate?
- What do other characters, like Nobu, think of the geisha's superstitions?
- Have you consulted a Chinese almanac? What does it say about your day? Is it accurate or inaccurate?