Summary

In the story “Relic and Type” Jay decided to learn Japanese because his grandson had married a Japanese woman. He was attracted to Japanese not only because he wanted to be able to talk to his grandchildren but also because he wanted something to keep him busy. Jay’s daughter did not think he was well enough to undertake learning the language, but she didn't share that with her father. Jay not only had a bad memory, he also had a blood disease.

When Jay’s grandson and new wife came to America the following July, Jay was pleased with himself that he was able to speak to his new granddaughter in Japanese. When Jay took the next class to learn more Japanese, he had a teacher who reminded him of a fellow student from eighth grade. Although Jay had been able...