How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Like prostitutes, their lower-class counterparts, geisha are often in the unusual position of knowing whether this or that public figure really does put his pants on one leg at a time like everyone else. (Translator's Note.7)
What makes a geisha "high class" and a prostitute "low class" when they both sell sex? Is it because a prostitute does it more often? Or that a geisha costs more and has more hoops to jump through to get it?
Quote #2
Satsu had her scratchy bathing dress up around her shoulders and the Sugi boy was playing around with her "Mount Fujis," as the boys called them. (2.2)
This event early on serves as an introduction to sexuality for young Chiyo, and it's something strange and unfamiliar. It will be strange and unfamiliar to her for her whole life.
Quote #3
She put a finger between my legs and gave what felt to me like a pinch, in such a way that I cried out. (2.58)
Speaking of strange and unfamiliar, getting poked by weird old women is definitely both of these. Although Chiyo doesn't quite understand why the woman is checking to see if she's "intact," this event foreshadows to readers that her virginity will be of crucial importance to her becoming a geisha.