Question from a reader:
Why doesn’t Rīshuhi dismiss her maid? Why is she so intimidated? She should be in a higher position than the maid, at least.
Considering Rīshuhi’s Dismissal of the Maid
After receiving a question from a friend, I contemplated the reasons why Rīshuhi does not dismiss her maid. Her position should indeed be above that of the maid,
so why is she so intimidated? There must be complex circumstances surrounding her situation. She lost her mother at a young age and led a tumultuous life, having been married off to the late emperor and then entering a convent. Perhaps she struggled to assert her opinions from an early age and often had to endure difficult situations. It’s understandable that she cannot be assertive with her maid. Being in an environment where one cannot express their thoughts for an extended period can lead to a sense of intimidation.
From a Legal Perspective
From a legal standpoint, Rīshuhi does have the right to dismiss her maid. However, exercising that right involves significant relational and psychological barriers. The choice of maid likely stems from her family’s wishes, and her inability to assert herself strongly regarding that decision may contribute to her hesitation to dismiss her. The background of her inability to dismiss the maid is also influenced by her relationship with her family. If she feels that her concerns will not be addressed, it can deepen her sense of isolation. Even if there are legal issues, emotional factors often play a substantial role in such situations.
My Experiences and Insights
I have personally experienced moments in university group projects where I struggled to express my opinions when my ideas didn’t align with those of my teammates. Ultimately, through discussions, we managed to gradually understand each other’s perspectives. Through that experience, I learned the importance of having the courage to express one’s opinions. If Rīshuhi can gradually learn to express her feelings and thoughts, her relationship with the maid may change. I would love to see what small steps she might take. Finally, I invite readers to share their experiences of not being able to express their opinions and how they overcame those barriers. I would be happy to hear your thoughts in the comments section. I’m eager to learn about various perspectives.
