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Julie Otsuka's 'When the Emperor Was Divine' delves into the lives of a Japanese American family during WWII, facing internment and identity loss. The novel reveals the hardships and discrimination they endure, highlighting themes of resilience, displacement, and the struggle to maintain identity amidst war.
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The novel is set during the tumultuous period of World War II, specifically highlighting the internment of Japanese Americans
Themes
The novel explores themes of identity, displacement, racism, loyalty, and resilience through the experiences of a Japanese American family during internment
Symbolism
The novel uses symbols such as anonymity, a rose bush, and a train journey to convey the dehumanizing aspect of internment and the family's severed connection to their previous life
Narrative Structure
The novel employs a linear narrative structure interspersed with flashbacks and shifts in perspective to provide depth to the characters' inner lives
Literary Devices
The author uses vivid imagery, flashbacks, and monologues to bring the story to life and convey the enduring trauma of internment
The novel explores the impact of internment on a Japanese American family, including their struggles with displacement, identity, and discrimination
Mother
The mother's resilience is tested as she prepares her family for their forced relocation and confronts the loss of their home
Children
The children each process the upheaval in their own way and confront the starkness of camp life
Father
The father's absence and eventual return reveal the deep psychological scars of internment and its broader implications for the family
00
The book is structured in five parts, each from a different ______ perspective, showing their individual and shared challenges with ______ and ______.
family member's
displacement
identity
01
Internment Camp Conditions
Harsh living conditions in camps contrast with family's prior life in Berkeley, showcasing loss of dignity and comfort.
02
Impact of Racial Prejudice
Japanese Americans faced suspicion, leading to loss of identity and rights, highlighting wartime xenophobia.
