Which symbol or motif do you think is most powerful in the text? The moon is a powerful motif throughout the novel Kitchen, used by Banana Yoshimoto to signify Mikage's journey and acceptance of life itself. Mikage often focuses on the moon, making it a central point of the novel. The reader learns that Mikage has not yet cried over her grandmother's death and has not yet dealt with the overwhelming emotion brought on by the situation. In this scene, the moon represents the idea that light shines even in the darkest moments of our lives. “My eye rested on the still new moon which was slowly making its way across the sky. » The adjective “gentle” softens the atmosphere and creates a feeling of peace. This contrasts with the next crisis, as she got off the bus, “tears were flowing”. The connotations of the term “flood” emphasize their uncontrollable nature, as floods are usually the work of nature, a force to be reckoned with; this implication highlights how overwhelmed Mikage is. A "new moon" symbolizes a new beginning, linked to Mikage's recovery from his sudden depression. Additionally, Mikage is now in a reinvigorated state after experiencing his grandmother's death in a very emotional way, "released after my good cry, I slept like a baby". By associating Mikage with a baby, Yoshimoto manages to emphasize the idea of ​​peace and acceptance. The symbolic meaning of the moon highlights the impact of this pivotal point on Mikage's future, as it is as if she is reborn. This scene is strangely uplifting for the reader because by releasing her grief, Mikage feels much happier and more content. The moon is then seen as a symbol of both despair and acceptance. The moon reappears when Mikage and Yuichi...... middle of paper ...... enter the novel because Mikage personally found the answer to the question. meaning of life. The meaning of life is the theme represented here through the use of the presence of the moon; it is related to existentialism, a philosophical approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining his or her own development through acts of will. Yoshimoto frequently writes about the existentialism associated with young adults and has managed to make Mikage an endearing character that readers can relate to. In conclusion, the moon is present during important moments in the novel and although it is sometimes noticed by Mikage, it still plays a role in implying certain recurring themes and notions such as finding light in despair and new beginnings. Mikage's journey through "Kitchen" is highlighted effectively through the use of the moon..