They say that your dreams tell a lot about you: your hopes, wishes, and darkest fears. Dreams in Obasan definitely tell us a lot about Naomi. By working in a different language from everyday life, dreams provide a safe place for Naomi to acknowledge her feelings. So don't dismiss dreams just because they aren't "real life." They can be just as important and even more telling than the mundane, everyday truth.
Questions About Versions of Reality
- Why does Naomi tell us so much about her dreams in Obasan?
- Many of the dreams that Naomi has are pretty scary. Are they nightmares or are they dreams? Do you think they help Naomi in any way? Why or why not?
- Do you think Naomi will continue having nightmares after the end of the novel? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Dreams are just as real as the so-called facts in Obasan.
Sometimes in Obasan, reality makes less sense than Naomi's dream world.