One of the major themes of this novel is whether we have control over our lives or whether we should give ourselves up to fate. How is this dilemma addressed throughout the course of the narrative? Is one outlook is shown to be more plausible and/or advantageous than the other?

Sayuri remarks that westerners often view geisha as prostitutes, but she refutes this opinion. After having read the novel, do you concur with Sayuri? And has the novel affected your view on what a geisha is and what the role entails? How might the author’s identity as an American affect his portrayal of geisha, and Japanese culture more generally?

Do you perceive Mr. Tanaka as a mercenary figure or do you think he played a supportive/beneficial role in Sayuri’s life?