As reflected in the title, the major theme of the novel is the notion of living a life of gestures. Franklin Hata admits in Chapter 1: “I know there are those who would say I’ve too keenly sought approval and consensus, and if over the years I’ve erred on the side of being grateful, well, so be it” (357). His adopted daughter, Sunny, confronts Hata for caring more for reputation and gestures than for anything of actual meaning. Even as a young man in the war, Captain Ono points out Hata’s total dependence on good fortune and gesture, and his lack of true, convincing passion and desire in his love for K. Hata’s total dependence on gesture and the dream of a life with K after the war prevents him from saving her from her very real, terrible fate.

From childhood, Hata’s gestures serve as a means of gratitude for the good fortune and circumstances he has been placed in, from being adopted into a good family, to serving in the war, and finally being able to build a name for himself in Bedley Run. Hata’s constant politeness and gestures also serve as a means of expressing gratitude for being accepted into the white picket fence lifestyle of a very white American town.