Snow Country Lesson Plan

Does Shimamura love Komako? Why or why not?

Students will likely unanimously say Shimamura does not love Komako—at least, not romantically. Yet, Komako is clearly in love with him. Despite this, Shimamura ultimately seems to not think of her as more than a geisha, even though their relationship did not begin that way. When he leaves, he does not look around for her. He makes decisions without consulting her. He refuses to be vulnerable with her and open up about his life and what he feels, even though Komako asks him questions to that end. Shimamura exists on a different plane than Komako. He comes to the hot-spring town with the intention of getting away from the reality...