Memoirs of a Geisha: Themes

There are many themes in Memoirs of a Geisha. For example:

• not everything is as it seems 
• Sayuri is a beautiful geisha from Gion, but she grew up in a small, 'dirty', fishing village. None of her clients believe she grew up there, as they think that's simply impossible. 
• Hatsumono is one of the most beautiful geisha, but her personality is terribly ugly.
• Nobu is deformed and is covered in burns, but turns out to be a very loyal and kind friend.
• hard work pays off
• Sayuri starts off as a maid/slave in an okiya, but she strives very hard toward success, despite her many obstacles, and succeeds in becoming one of them most famous geisha in Gion. 
• keeps your friends close but your enemies closer
• Hatsumono is the main antagonist in the book. She is terrified that Sayuri will be the death of her career, and tries constantly to ruin her reputation. However, Sayuri keeps that from happening by being in the same home with her and talking with her regularly. 
• influence
• Sayuri's career motivation is heavily influenced by others around her. For example, when she was a young girl, she had completely given up on her life. When she met the chairman, however, her outlook on life changed, and her feelings for him motivated her.