How does Shimamura meet Komako? What is his first reaction? What is her reaction? What changes?

Shimamura asks Komako to recommend a geisha for him. Why? What does she say about the request? What finally happens?

What does Shimamura do for a living? What are his other interests? What does he say about wasted efforts?

What details are revealed about the relationship between Yoko and Yukio? Between these two and Komako? What does Shimamura think is the truth about those relationships?

Who is Kikuyu? What happens to her? How does Komako compare that to her own circumstances?

Why does Yoko come to Komako at the train station requesting that she return home? What is Komako's response? What does Shimamura say?

What are some of the conflicts that occur between Komako and Shimamura? Why do they occur?

What are the social attitudes about the geisha...