The Music Lessons

In the play “ The Music Lessons” by Wakako Yamauchi two of the main characters are in engaged in a dialogue which is common for a mother and a daughter to have. In act two, scene four, Chizuko and Aki seem to express frustration to each other after Aki coming home late after a music lesson with Kaoru.

Chizuko knows something is very wrong for her young daughter spending so much time with a grown man, causes her to be so upset with Aki: “CHIZUKO: I mean other people! How do you think it looks: you all the time in a man’s room?” (2,4). For a mother, trying to get through to her daughter is a very frustrating task. It’s hard for

Chizuko to show Aki that all her frustration is in the best interest for her: “CHIZUKO: I have lots to worry about. I got to see you have enough to eat, give you an education, see you’re dressed decent-so people won’t say, “Those kids don’t have a father.” See you’re not left with debts, like what happened to me. See you don’t make a mess (of) ...” (2,4).

Chizuko is trying to protect her young daughter, she is afraid that Aki is going to get hurt if she pours all her emotions towards this grown man, by Aki not understanding this

Chizuko becomes angry: “CHIZUKO: I know you don’t care ... right now. I’m just saying you shouldn’t let your emotions run away with you” (2,4). Chizuko feels that Aki should be spending time with kids her age: “CHIZUKO: If you want a friend to talk to, find someone your age who can understand you...