"Child's Play" is a story that journeys through the lives of several young kids who live in the same town. The area is referred to as "the quarter" and houses a popular house of prostitutes. Midori is the main female protagonist of the story. Her sister, Omaki, is one of these prostitutes and the town believes that Midori will follow her footsteps. Midori expresses feelings for a character named Nobu, a scholar and future priest (like his father) who is mean to Midori in order that he might avoid ridicule for their flirtation. Nobu is convinced by Chokichi, the leader of the back-street gang, to join his "side." Chokichi is the fire chief's son who is selfish and proud. He eventually beats up a boy named Sangoro, a poor but well-liked character who Shota wants to join the main-street gang. Shota is the wealthy rent-collector who lives with his grandma. He is also the leader of the main-street gang and a friend of Midori.
These young characters all grow up in front of the readers eyes. The theme of this story, in my opinion, is the loss of innocence and growing up. Midori begins to "blush" at men as she immerses herself in the world of prostitution. Nobu becomes cold, and leaves for the seminary. Shota made his rent collections without singing his songs anymore. The reality of adulthood is presented to these once innocent characters
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It ended on a sad note but I enjoyed the development of the characters and the progression towards adulthood that the author illustrates. No single major even takes place, but it is the collection of small, individual events that make this story intriguing.
I too enjoyed the story. It gave the reader mental images of what was going on in the book. For example, when Chokichi threw his muddy sandal at Midori. I could easly picture the sandal, the mud, and her reaction when it hit her forehead. (p. 1817) Aside from the mental images I enjoyed the fact that the story was very realistic. It didn't have the children liking every person in the story, or nothing terrible ever happening to them. It had children getting bullied, using fowl language at their age, roaming around with "gangs", and it gave the reader what the children were going through as they began to mature.
ReplyDeleteyahm i liked the story too ! though i wished the relationship between Nobu and Modori was restored by end of the story. i like how you point out the "loss of the innocence and growing up" and the examples. i actually didn't notice about Shota not singing anymore as he collects the money. i think we all lose our innocence after all...which is sad and makes me want to go back to my childhood...
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