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Most people at some point in their lives undergo a journey of self discovery. Naomi in Obasan and Rose in Simon’s Luck both journey through the circle of self discovery by revealing, remembering and reconciling their past experiences, and thus become their true selves. Without completing this journey, they would both remain fragmented personalities and not achieve a peace with themselves concerning all aspects of their lives. One of the first steps in this journey is to use the knowledge one already has of the past. By remembering experiences and events of the past both Naomi and Rose were able to progress through the circle of their journey. Throughout both stories, these women have helpers that either suggest or force them to realize and deal with their personal histories. One’s history is oneself and we cannot be complete without remembering. (Kogawa, 54) Throughout Obasan, Aunt Emily helps Naomi by providing her with pictures, letters and pamphlets which spark memories that Naomi had long since pushed away. The time between the events which Naomi must remember, and the year 1972 when her process of self discovery begins, is the solace which allows Naomi to handle the painful process of dealing with memories. On the other hand, Rose is able to begin accepting her past only by separating herself physically from the events. Naomi wished to remain close to her childhood home in Granton, Alberta whereas Rose began to recall her past once she traveled from Kingston to the West Coast and started a new life away from the people and places of her memories. Remembrance of the past, however, is seldom easy or undertaken willingly. One of the striking similarities between Naomi and Rose is that both struggle to not remember. Naomi’s belief is that “Crimes of history… can stay in history” (Kogawa, 44). She states that if she allows herself to remember everything she will be drawn into a downward spiral; thus she must only skirt the edges of her memories. (Kogawa, 57) Contrarily, Rose denies her memories by using her acting abilities to play the roles of different people.
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