Kichijiro and His Family: Guilt and Loss
Silence (Library Edition)The backstory of Kichijiro's betrayal of his own family.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingThe Family Betrayal
The Family Betrayal
The Arrest
Kichijiro's family was betrayed by an informer. They were ordered to trample on the fumie. His brothers and sisters refused.
Kichijiro's Weakness
After a few threats, Kichijiro apostatized. His family was imprisoned and later burned at the stake. He watched from the crowd.
Significance
Haunted by Memory
Haunted by Memory
The Drunkenness
Kichijiro drank to forget. He was a coward who could not face his past. He carried the guilt everywhere.
Seeking Absolution
He repeatedly sought confession, hoping to be forgiven. He was trapped in a cycle of sin and repentance.
Significance
Eight years before the story, 1630
Throughout the story
