An Artist of the Floating World discussion

There was something that struck me as being off about Ichiro, Ono's grandson. Though he makes few appearances in the book based upon his behavior and his interactions with his grandfather I wondered if he suffered from any developmental, behavioral, or psychological issues. Something along the lines of autism or ADHD. Nothing is mentioned about it in the book directly.

I wonder if anyone else had a simillar impression or if I am misreading/misinterpreting.

It crossed my mind, however, I came to a different conclusion. I think it had more to do with a more 'blunt' contrast between traditional family relations (authority of parents, respect, 'traditional' values - remember how the sisters mention the father's strictness in their youth) as opposed to the 'free for all' approach of the younger generations which goes hand in hand with the adoption of democracy and Americanism (more boldness in self-expression and disregard for the authority of the elders, which is also seen in how the daughters talk back to their father, are often impertinent and disregard his concerns and desires).

Flux wrote: "It crossed my mind, however, I came to a different conclusion. I think it had more to do with a more 'blunt' contrast between traditional family relations (authority of parents, respect, 'tradition..."

That is a good point and interesting idea.