Robert Childan's Conversion

A humiliated dealer in historical Americana gradually remakes himself as an advocate of new American art, finding a strange dignity in the present.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Humbled in the Store

Humbled in the Store Context Robert Childan is afraid of his own customers. The phone call from Nobusuke Tagomi reduces him to stammering, and he feels the absence of place like a physical wound. Turning Point A young Japanese couple's kindness restores his hope. He begins to believe that the rising generation may not care about place at all. Significance Childan's fate is to live between hope and humiliation, and this is only the first turning of that wheel.

Unmasked Fraud

Unmasked Fraud Context The fake admiral's visit shatters Childan's faith in his stock. He is left holding a worthless reproduction and struggling to keep his reputation. Turning Point He calls for a scientific test, and the test confirms his dread. There is a whole industry of forgery, and he has been feeding it. Significance This moment forces Childan to ask what, if anything, in his store is real. It leads him to the consignment of Edfrank jewelry.

Defeated at the Kasouras

Defeated at the Kasouras Context Childan's evening at the Kasoura apartment ends in political and social foolishness. He feels he has fallen even lower in their eyes. Turning Point Betty is kind, Paul is patient, but Childan is wounded. He vows to read The Grasshopper and to learn from his enemies. Significance The dinner is a mirror that shows Childan exactly what he is. The rest of his arc is an attempt to close the gap between his desire and his reality.

Standing Up

Standing Up Context Paul Kasoura returns the Edfrank pin and suggests a deal for cheap mass-produced charms. Childan hears in it the whole Japanese dismissal of American creativity. Turning Point Childan rejects the deal, declares the pin is a work of American pride, and asks for an apology. Paul gives it, acknowledging his own arrogance. Significance This is the moment Childan stops being a groveling salesman. He finds a voice of his own, even if his legs are shaking.

Selling the New

Selling the New Context Childan shows the Edfrank pieces to Nobusuke Tagomi, explaining that they are the seed of America's future. His forcefulness convinces the despairing Tagomi to buy one. Turning Point Tagomi walks out carrying the silver triangle. Childan is left with a new purpose, watching the street as if he can see his country being reborn. Significance Childan's fate is no longer tied to dead objects. He has become the priest of a new art, and in that role he saves something of his ruined world.

the morning of the Tagomi phone call

when the fake admiral's gentleman identifies the Colt as a fake

during the dinner party

in Paul Kasoura's office

the last time we see Childan in his store