She tells Sayuri that she never allowed herself to feel love for him. Was she lying to Sayuri or was she telling the sad truth? Please tell me what you guys think. :)
shareI think she did. Otherwise, why would she lie about him really being the highest bidder for Sayuri's mizuage?
shareI believe she did, when the Baron was the highest bidder she said she was sorry but she let it go to Dr. Crab. Also, when she thought that Sayuri was 'worthless' she seemed pretty jealous outside of the contest. A Geisha wasn't supposed to fall in love, so she probably never allowed herself to admit it.
Also, when Hatsumomo says "Taking care a little nuisance", Mameha was pregnant, I presume by the Baron...that must have been hard for her.
I think so too. The fact that she kept one of the kimonos he gave her is a big clue too. In the book she is out one day worshiping at a shrine she had made that had three statues. There is also one scene where the Baron openly tells her that he doesnt want any little barons running around. Mameha may have been glamorous and beautiful but she hid a lot of pain.
shareSurely jealousy was a part of her reason for letting the doctor win, but I think it also had something to do with what happened at the Baron's estate.
share[deleted]
I agree she did not want Sayuri to have to be in that situation. I still think she had some kind of feelings for the Baron, but while that is debatable I don't think there is any doubt she cared for Sayuri and did not want her to be hurt if she could prevent it.
It is also possible that she was concerned the Baron would want Sayuri enough to break his arrangement as Mameha's danna, leaving her without the financial security it provided. Her actions made it possible for her to protect Sayuri and also her own livelihood.
The book and the movie made it look like the Baron was kind to Mameha and was obviously very generous, which made it possible for her to live comfortably on her own without dependence on an okiya. In that culture, it could be difficult not to form an attachment to the person providing that.