The Man in the High Castle

by

Philip K. Dick

Wabi Term Analysis

Wabi is the Japanese word for great taste—specifically, it is the ability to create beauty out of simplicity. Most Americans struggle with wabi, whereas Betty Kasoura embodies it.
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Wabi Term Timeline in The Man in the High Castle

The timeline below shows where the term Wabi appears in The Man in the High Castle. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 7
Art, Perspective, and Truth Theme Icon
...a Japanese kimono. Childan admires the tasteful décor of the apartment, which he feels possesses wabi—an untranslatable Japanese word about finding beauty in simplicity. As they sit down to drinks, Paul... (full context)
Chapter 11
Authenticity vs. Originality Theme Icon
Art, Perspective, and Truth Theme Icon
...that the piece has a special kind of spiritual balance. Though it does not have wabi, the Japanese word for good taste, it does have wu, a Chinese word for the... (full context)