Memoirs of a Geisha - Most Important Line

Recently, I started a book called Memoirs of a Geisha.  This is a book about a young Japanese girl, sold  by her father and separated from her sister, who tries to survive the relentless obstacles in order to become a geisha.  It is based off the experiences of a real geisha.  A geisha is an entertainer who goes to parties to dance and play instruments.  The most important line from chapter 9 is, "There I threw coins into the offertory box - coins that might have been enough to take me away from Gion - and announced my presence to the gods by clapping three times and bowing.  With my eyes squeezed tightly and my hands together, I prayed that they would permit me to become a geisha somehow."

This quote is important for many reasons.  First of all, this is the point in the story where Chiyo's view on life completely changes.  Previously, she had attempted to run away from Gion and the thought of becoming a geisha haunted her.  At this point she had started to envy geisha and their wonderful lifestyles.  She was jealous of the geisha that entertained for rich men.  When she had enough money to run away, she instead decided to stay and do everything in her power to become a geisha, even though attempting running away had ruined her chances.  With every ounce of her being she now wanted to become a geisha and live a life of luxury.

The quote is also important because it develops the plot.  The book continues on to tell about many more years passing where Chiyo works as a maid in her okiya, never stumbling upon a chance at redeeming herself and becoming a geisha.  Finally, a geisha named Mameha notices her, and her life is forever changed again.

Has there every been a time in your life where you changed your mind completely on something?