Final answer:
The novel 'Obasan' is named so due to the protagonist's aunt symbolizing motherhood and cultural significance, encapsulating familial relationships and the Japanese-Canadian identity amidst adversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The novel Obasan is titled as such for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it focuses on the protagonist's aunt, who is the titular Obasan, symbolizing a form of motherhood and familial stability amidst uncertainty. Secondly, the term 'Obasan' reflects cultural significance, relating to Japanese familial and honorific titles, emphasizing the protagonist's cultural heritage and the nuances of their identity. This choice encapsulates not only a personal familial relationship but also the broader experience of being part of a cultural community.
Obasan serves as a symbol of motherhood, reminiscent of how in other cultures, the state or a figurehead has depicted maternal qualities to invoke a sense of nurturing and protection, just as the Soviet state did through graphic art. Moreover, just as queen mothers in some African societies played a central role in the upbringing of future leaders for the well-being of the kingdom, Obasan is critical to the protagonist's life and the survival of their heritage. Thus, the title Obasan mirrors these layers of maternal and protective roles that transcend individual characters, symbolizing both personal and collective experiences of care, guidance, and cultural identity.