Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 8 of Obasan by Joy Kogawa.


"Dearest Nesan,” her diary entries begin. The sight of the word "Nesan” cuts into me with a peculiar sensation of pain and tenderness. It means "older sister,” and was what Aunt Emily always called Mother. Grandma also called Mother "Nesan” from time to time, especially if she was talking to Aunt Emily. I remember one time I called Mother "Nesan” and Grandma Kato laughed and laughed.


The book feels heavy with voices from the past—a connection to Mother and Grandma Kato I did not know existed.

How do the phrases "cuts into me” and "feels heavy with voices from the past” develop the mood of the excerpt?

They focus on a feeling of surprise to create a mood that is mysterious and grim.
They present an uncommon situation to create a mood that is confused and worried.
They emphasize difficult emotions to create a mood of grief and nostalgia.
They present past events and thoughts to create a mood of regret and shame.

Answer 1

They emphasize difficult emotions to create a mood of grief and nostalgia.

Explanation: "Cuts into me" conveys painful emotional impact, while "heavy with voices from the past" suggests the weight of memory; together they evoke sorrowful longing and reminiscence rather than mystery, confusion, or shame.