Fruits Basket, Vol. 4 Summary & Key Insights

Fruits Basket, Volume 4 deepens the mysteries surrounding the Sohma family curse and its impact on the lives of its afflicted members. The central plot revolves around the introduction and further exploration of Kyo Sohma, the Cat of the Zodiac, and his complex relationship with Tohru Honda. Tohru’s unwavering kindness and compassion continue to be a central theme, as she navigates the complexities of the Sohma family's secretive world.

The volume significantly develops Kyo’s character, revealing his insecurity, anger, and deep-seated fear of rejection stemming from his cursed form and the family's treatment. His rivalry with Yuki Sohma, the Rat, is further explored, showcasing the jealousy and resentment born from a lifetime of competition and being viewed as the "lesser" zodiac member. Their strained dynamic highlights the damaging effects of the curse on interpersonal relationships within the family. We see moments of vulnerability from Kyo, particularly in his interactions with Tohru, who is slowly chipping away at his hardened exterior.

Shigure Sohma, the Dog, remains a manipulative yet enigmatic figure, often playing a key role in manipulating events to his own ends, though his motives remain partially obscured. He acts as a seemingly benign observer, but his actions frequently contribute to both the conflicts and reconciliations within the family. Yuki, while seemingly serene and popular, reveals hints of inner turmoil, struggling with his own identity and the burden of the curse. His interactions with Kyo showcase the complexities of their relationship, shifting between rivalry and begrudging respect.

The overarching theme of family is explored in its many facets. The Sohma family is far from ideal; it is a dysfunctional unit marked by secrets, betrayals, and generations of pain fueled by the curse. Tohru’s presence acts as a disruptive force, challenging the established hierarchies and offering genuine acceptance and love, contrasting the conditional love and acceptance within the Sohma household. This volume highlights the destructive consequences of isolating individuals based on perceived flaws and the healing power of unconditional love and acceptance.

The volume also introduces elements of romantic tension between Tohru and both Kyo and Yuki, though these feelings are still largely unspoken and underdeveloped. Tohru’s unwavering dedication to helping the Sohma family members overcome their emotional burdens underlines the volume’s central theme of compassion and empathy as crucial tools for healing. The ending leaves the reader anticipating further revelations about the curse and the complex relationships within the Sohma family.