Book 2 blog 5.

""You intrigue me" he said finally. " Very few women do. Let me show you my humble place, my meager collection." He watched over every movement she made, but not with the predatory desire of other men. Kaede realized what Shizuka had meant: If he desired her, this nobleman would want to add her to his collection. What price would he pay for her, and what could she demand? (Hearn, 102).

I find there is something very disturbing about fujuwara. He seems to go against all of the ideals for men in the time period. I'm suspicious of him. He may just not fit well into the time period. I don't know exactly what "add her to his collection" means, but it doesn't sound good.

Why is fujiwara so interested in Kaede?
What causes him to be so different from other men?
Is he really different?
How powerful is he?

Book 2 Blog 4.

"I had gone into a state I recognized. I could not explain it, but it was as familiar to me as my own skin. I did not feel either fear nor excitement. My brain switched off. I was all instinct, instinct and ears. (Hearn, 47)."

This is not the first time Takeo has described himself being in this state. I'm still trying to put a mental image on it, because it's not explained in great detail. I think that it's some kind of adrenaline rush. I wonder if he will learn to control this "instinct" better.

Why does Takeo try to get out even when his 'captors' are trying to protect him?
What is the significance of the man he meets with?
Why is the man tortured and killed just for being out?
Why is Akio so cruel to him?

Book 2 Blog 3.

"It seems Arai does want to get rid of me, as you put it. But it is planned to look like an accident, a brigand attack, something like that. He cannot bear that I should live, but does not wish to offend you outright (Hearn 18.)

To me, this makes me think Arai is less trustworthy than I previously thought. It seems like Arai is the "good guy" That Hearn led me to believe in the first book. I wonder if he will continue to do sneaky things like this throughout the book.


Is his rage really that great, so that he'd kill Shizuka?
Will he continue to be shadey?
Will he force Kaede to marry?
If so, when and who?

Book 2 Blog 2.

""You were hardly more than a child. You have changed...." "I have been made to grow up," She replied. She made an effort not to think of her borrowed robe, her complete lack of possessions. I am the heir to a great domain, she told herself( Hearn 13)"

I think that this passage is a defining passage for Kaede. It shows how she has changed due to all of the events she has undergone in the past book. I think that Kaede believes herself to be ready to take on the world and all of it's hardships, but I don't know if she really is.

Has Kaede really changed?
If so, to what extent?
Why is lord Arai so quick to throw away Shizuka, his lover.
Where is takeo?

Book 2 Blog 1.

""Nevertheless, if this became generally known, you would be punished for it. Men would think the world turned upside down if women start taking up arms and seeking revenge" "My world is turning upside down"(Hearn 7).

In the futal era of Japan women are not allowed to do anything. If a woman killed someone they would be immediately put to death. I think that this passage is foreshadowing more events in the future in which her being a woman will put her at odds-ends. I think it shows a continuing theme in the book of struggle to overcome uncontrollable obstacles.

How did Takeo make her fall asleep for so long?
What does the white goddess represent?
Is Raku a goodbye present or a token to remember takeo by?