Samurai's Garden Matsu Quotes

Samurai's Garden, written by Gail Tsukiyama, features two main characters, known as Sachi and Matsu, whose relationship evolves from forbidden to true love. The beginning of their relationship is exemplified through Matsu's first visit with Stephen to Sachi's home in Yamaguchi, "As he led me toward the house... his steps lightened, his body relaxed, and he seemed almost young again" (Tsukiyama 26). This quote exemplifies Matsu's alter-ego when he is with Sachi, the first sign of peace, comfort and love emitted by Matsu, which will be replicated eventually by Sachi. Sachi is shown as closed off, hiding her face behind the black scarf, but metaphorically hiding her feelings as well. As the plot moves along, conflicts strengthening the bond of …show more content…
Sachi's garden, a kare sansui, or dry landscape, envisioned her outlook on life and her overall personality, as shown through, "... a neat cluster of blooming flowers, startlingly beautiful… somehow thriving among the muted gray stones" (Tsukiyama 127). The description of Sachi's new-found blossoms represents herself, how she hid, as a muted, drab, dull gray stone, but could be pushed, rearranged, blooming into "startlingly beautiful" content phases and revealing her inner beauty and calming presence. Matsu's garden, in contrast, is described as, "... a world filled with secrets... I see more each day... black pines twist and turn to form graceful shapes, while the moss... invites you to sit by the pond" (Tsukiyama 31). Matsu's garden is nearly completely opposite of Sachi's, but accurately depicts Matsu in many ways, how Stephens learns more of him each day, how Matsu's beauty is hidden through dimly lit lanterns, but his warm, inviting presence draws you in, similar to the carpet of moss by the pond. Matsu and Sachi's duality through their personalities and gardens grow to compliment each other as their relationship does as