Memoirs Of A Geisha Essay
The word Geisha has several different meanings. Geisha translates to art performer, the
“gei” meaning art and the “sha” meaning people who are skilled hostesses that are trained to entertain guests through singing, dancing, conversation, and ceremonies. Throughout the years, especially during World War II, there has been controversy over what a Geisha does.
For example, in the Western society some may look at a Geisha and think they are distorted into prostitutes. But in a Eastern society, more specifically in a Japanese culture, the lifestyle of a Geisha is committed to art and beauty. In the book “Memoirs of a Geisha” we are able to see the transformation of the main character Sayuri, whom was living the lifestyle as a poor girl who was then taken into the …show more content…
The life of a Geisha can be looked upon in many different aspects. Some may look at them as women who give their life away to serve drunk men, and even as prostitutes. But within their own culture, Geisha’s are looked upon as beautiful works of art. They are portrayed as works of art because of the way they carry themselves gracefully, also their skills in music and dance give them more talent and as well as the beauty of their makeup bring out the true form of a Geisha. The following quote from the book Memoirs of a Geisha is a direct example of a real Geisha explaining her own definition of what she thinks they are.
“Remember Chiyo, geisha’s are not courtesans and we are not wives. We sell our skills not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word “Geisha” means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art” (Golden).
By analyzing this quote with a feminist theory perspective, Geisha’s are considered to be objectified as ethereal beings who earn their rights as humans by being able to share
“gei” meaning art and the “sha” meaning people who are skilled hostesses that are trained to entertain guests through singing, dancing, conversation, and ceremonies. Throughout the years, especially during World War II, there has been controversy over what a Geisha does.
For example, in the Western society some may look at a Geisha and think they are distorted into prostitutes. But in a Eastern society, more specifically in a Japanese culture, the lifestyle of a Geisha is committed to art and beauty. In the book “Memoirs of a Geisha” we are able to see the transformation of the main character Sayuri, whom was living the lifestyle as a poor girl who was then taken into the …show more content…
The life of a Geisha can be looked upon in many different aspects. Some may look at them as women who give their life away to serve drunk men, and even as prostitutes. But within their own culture, Geisha’s are looked upon as beautiful works of art. They are portrayed as works of art because of the way they carry themselves gracefully, also their skills in music and dance give them more talent and as well as the beauty of their makeup bring out the true form of a Geisha. The following quote from the book Memoirs of a Geisha is a direct example of a real Geisha explaining her own definition of what she thinks they are.
“Remember Chiyo, geisha’s are not courtesans and we are not wives. We sell our skills not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word “Geisha” means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art” (Golden).
By analyzing this quote with a feminist theory perspective, Geisha’s are considered to be objectified as ethereal beings who earn their rights as humans by being able to share