Chapter 19 Summary

Gas masks are delivered to H's home, and Toshiko delivers the masks to the neighbors. A document urging the purchase of the gas masks is sent to each household. Although not compulsory, the language of the document makes it clear that the masks should and will be purchased. H is disturbed by the language of the message and asks Toshiko if she thinks the masks will protect them from a poison gas attack. Toshiko answers that they probably will, but she does not think America will launch a poison gas attack on Japan. Toshiko decides not to purchase a mask, but Morio tells her that is not a good idea. Morio reminds her that if the head of the neighborhood association does not buy a mask, the other members will not have incentive to do so. Toshiko tells Morio that it would be...