A Family Supper Short Story

Kazuo Ishiguro’s short story, “A Family Supper,” compares the difference between the new and old culture’s beliefs and ideals through dialogue. Kazuo arrives to Japan after he hears of his mother's death and during the car ride his father discusses the suicide of his partner after his firm failed; there he discusses his choice in his ideas of leaving. His sister who is enjoying her life in Japan with many friends and a boyfriend, perceived as a good child in front of her parents. Although his mother had died from this fugu fish it doesn’t strike enough fear to discontinue the consumption of this deadly fish. Kazuo eats the fish that is prepared for him and questions what type of fish it is and his father just simply replies it’s just fish, “‘What is it?’ ‘Fish’ ‘It smells very good.’” He asked again, but his father replied the same way. This fish is probably the fugu fish that his mother died from. The fish “all the rage” provided that the poison of the fugu fish is
‘You were swayed by certain -influences. Like so many others.’” Later, Kikuko brings up whether he would be returning back California and explains that he’s not certain because of his relationship with Vicki is over: “‘That’s all finished with,’ I said. ‘There's nothing much left for me now California.’” Apparently Kazuo, like Kikuko, partner was the one that suggested they go to America. At first his parents couldn't understand why their son would want to leave, but later found out that Vicki, symbolizes western ideals and culture, was the cause of absence of their son.
Kazuo and Kikuko represents the new culture-- going to America and dealing other foreign cultures-- whereas their parents represents the old culture-- not open minded to western