Before The Coffee Gets Cold

Themes

Themes in "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" are explored through the experiences of its characters:

1. **Regret**:
In the novel, the characters often grapple with regret, wishing they could change or relive moments from
their past. For instance, Fumiko regrets her last conversation with her boyfriend and seeks a second chance
to convince him to stay. Hirai is filled with regret after her sister's tragic death, wishing she had been kinder.
Kei travels into the future to ensure her decision to have a life-threatening pregnancy is the right one. While
time travel doesn't undo these regrets, it helps the characters gain new perspectives to overcome their sense
of loss.

2. **Desperation**:
Desperation, characterized by extreme or rash behavior driven by despair, plays a significant role in the
novel. Fumiko's impatience to change her past conversation with Goro reflects this theme. When Kei,
fearing she won't survive her pregnancy, seeks a glimpse into the future, it's a desperate act. Despite such
desperation leading to impulsive decisions, the characters ultimately find enlightenment.

3. **Grief**:
Grief is central to the characters' experiences. Kohtake mourns the loss of her husband's recognition due
to his Alzheimer's. Hirai grieves her sister's death and her missed opportunity to fulfill her sister's wish.
While grief can be overwhelming, the characters also find ways to work through it and find closure.

4. **Hope**:
Hope motivates the characters to reexamine past events or risk disappointment by looking into the future.
Fumiko hopes to be reunited with Goro. Kei's hope of giving life to her daughter strengthens her resolve.
The theme of hope is portrayed as a source of strength in the face of adversity.

5. **Sacrifice**:
Sacrifice involves giving up something important for others or a higher purpose. Fumiko learns patience
in her love for Goro. Hirai sacrifices her pride to fulfill her promise to her sister. Most significantly, Kei
sacrifices her own life for the sake of her child. These acts of sacrifice are pivotal in the characters'
development.
6. **Uncertainty**:
Uncertainty is a recurring theme as characters grapple with unknowns. Fumiko's uncertainty about her
future with Goro lingers after their second conversation. Kohtake faces uncertainty due to her husband's
sporadic memory. Kei travels into the future to seek clarity when faced with uncertainty about her
pregnancy. The quest for answers drives the characters to find reassurance.

7. **Revelation**:
The characters in the novel often experience revelations, uncovering previously unknown information.
Fumiko learns about Goro's feelings of inferiority and insecurity. Kohtake's revelation comes when her
husband requests not to be treated as a patient. Hirai discovers her sister's true feelings. Kei's revelation
comes from seeing her future daughter's gesture. These revelations are instrumental in the characters'
personal growth and understanding.