When The Emperor Was Divine Study Guide offers an in-depth examination of Julie Otsuka’s poignant novel, exploring themes of identity, prejudice, and the lasting impact of Japanese American internment during World War II. CONDUCT.EDU.VN provides resources that aid in understanding the historical context, literary devices, and emotional depth of this important work, enhancing comprehension through study aids and guides. Explore the devastating consequences of wartime hysteria, loss of innocence, and search for belonging with relevant conduct and ethical parameters.
1. Exploring Historical Context and Narrative Depth
When the Emperor Was Divine offers readers an intimate view of the fate of Japanese Americans during World War II. But in what ways does the novel deepen our existing knowledge of this historical period, and what insights does it provide that a straightforward historical investigation cannot?
Otsuka’s novel enriches our understanding of this historical period by providing a deeply personal and emotional perspective. While historical investigations offer factual accounts and broad overviews, When the Emperor Was Divine delves into the psychological and emotional impact of internment on a single family. The novel offers a window into the fear, confusion, and trauma experienced by individuals who were uprooted from their homes and unjustly incarcerated.
1.1 Personal Narratives vs. Historical Accounts
Historical investigations typically focus on the political, economic, and social factors that led to the internment of Japanese Americans. They may analyze government policies, public opinion, and the legal justifications used to support the internment. While these accounts are valuable, they often lack the intimate details and emotional resonance that a novel can provide.
When the Emperor Was Divine humanizes the historical event by focusing on the experiences of a mother, a father, a son, and a daughter. Through their eyes, readers witness the daily struggles, the loss of dignity, and the constant fear that characterized life in the internment camps. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to convey the emotional toll of internment on individuals and families, offering a visceral understanding of the human cost of wartime prejudice and discrimination.
1.2 Insights Beyond Historical Data
Otsuka’s novel offers insights that go beyond the scope of historical data:
- Emotional Impact: The novel vividly portrays the emotional impact of internment on the family members, including their feelings of displacement, confusion, and loss of identity.
- Psychological Trauma: It explores the long-term psychological trauma experienced by the internees, which is often overlooked in historical accounts.
- Loss of Innocence: The story captures the loss of innocence experienced by the children, who struggle to understand why they are being treated as enemies of their own country.
- Family Dynamics: The novel delves into the changes in family dynamics caused by internment, including the strain on relationships and the challenges of rebuilding their lives after the war.
2. The Gradual Revelation of Truth
Why does Otsuka choose to reveal the family’s reason for moving—and the father’s arrest—so indirectly and so gradually? What is the effect when the reason becomes apparent?
Otsuka’s narrative strategy of gradually revealing the reason for the family’s relocation and the father’s arrest is a deliberate choice that enhances the emotional impact and thematic resonance of the novel. This indirect approach mirrors the confusion and uncertainty experienced by the characters themselves, drawing readers into their world and fostering a deeper sense of empathy.
2.1 Building Suspense and Uncertainty
By withholding the explicit reason for the family’s internment, Otsuka creates a sense of suspense and uncertainty. Initially, the reader, like the children in the story, is unsure why the family is being uprooted from their home. This ambiguity mirrors the real-life experiences of many Japanese Americans who were given little or no explanation for their internment.
The gradual revelation allows Otsuka to explore the psychological impact of this uncertainty on the characters. The children grapple with questions of guilt and responsibility, wondering if they have done something wrong to deserve their fate. This reflects the broader experience of a community that was collectively punished for the actions of a foreign government.
2.2 Emphasizing the Injustice of Internment
The gradual unveiling of the truth also serves to emphasize the injustice of the internment. As the reasons become apparent—based solely on their ethnicity and ancestry—the reader is confronted with the arbitrary and discriminatory nature of the government’s actions.
The effect of this gradual revelation is powerful. It allows readers to understand the confusion and fear experienced by Japanese Americans who were targeted based on prejudice and wartime hysteria. This narrative technique highlights the absurdity and injustice of the internment, making the novel a powerful indictment of racial discrimination and the abuse of government power.
2.3 Ethical Considerations in Wartime
The gradual revelation of the truth prompts reflection on ethical considerations during wartime. The novel questions whether national security concerns can justify the violation of individual rights and the targeting of entire communities based on ethnicity. It forces readers to confront the ethical dilemmas faced by governments in times of crisis and the potential for abuse of power. Explore related ethical guidelines at CONDUCT.EDU.VN.
3. Symbolic Details and Larger Meanings
Otsuka skillfully places subtle but significant details in her narrative. The mother notices a “dark stain” on the register “that would not go away.” The dog she has to kill is called “White Dog.” Her daughter’s favorite song on the radio is “Don’t Fence Me In.” How do these details, and others like them, point to larger meanings in the novel?
Otsuka’s masterful use of subtle details enriches the narrative and adds layers of meaning to the story. These symbolic elements serve as powerful metaphors for the themes of prejudice, loss of innocence, and the struggle for freedom and identity.
3.1 The “Dark Stain”
The “dark stain” on the register at Lundy’s hardware store symbolizes the indelible mark of racism and prejudice that permeates American society. This stain, which “would not go away,” suggests that the discrimination faced by Japanese Americans is deeply ingrained and cannot be easily erased. It represents the persistent and pervasive nature of racism that continues to affect the characters’ lives.
3.2 “White Dog”
The dog’s name, “White Dog,” is symbolic in several ways. White often represents purity and innocence, while the act of killing the dog suggests the loss of these qualities. The mother’s decision to kill the dog can be interpreted as a sacrifice of innocence in the face of overwhelming adversity. It also symbolizes the loss of control and autonomy experienced by the family as they are forced to abandon their home and their way of life.
3.3 “Don’t Fence Me In”
The daughter’s favorite song, “Don’t Fence Me In,” is a direct and ironic commentary on the family’s situation. The song speaks of a desire for freedom and unrestricted movement, which is in stark contrast to the reality of their confinement in the internment camp. This detail underscores the injustice of their imprisonment and highlights their longing for liberation.
3.4 Additional Symbolic Details
Other symbolic details in the novel include:
- Dust: The ever-present dust in the internment camp symbolizes the barrenness and desolation of their lives, as well as the erosion of their identities.
- Fences: The barbed-wire fences represent the physical and psychological boundaries that confine the internees and separate them from the outside world.
- Photographs: The family’s photographs, which they are forced to leave behind, symbolize their lost memories and their severed connection to the past.
4. The Significance of Anonymity
Why does Otsuka refer to her characters as “the woman,” “the girl,” “the boy,” and “the father,” rather than giving them names? How does this lack of specific identities affect the reader’s relationship to the characters?
Otsuka’s decision to refer to her characters as “the woman,” “the girl,” “the boy,” and “the father,” rather than giving them specific names, is a deliberate choice that has a profound impact on the reader’s relationship to the characters and the themes of the novel. This technique enhances the universality of the story and underscores the dehumanizing effects of internment.
4.1 Universalizing the Experience
By not naming the characters, Otsuka broadens the scope of the story and makes it representative of the experiences of all Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II. The anonymity of the characters allows readers to see them as archetypes of the dislocated family, rather than as specific individuals.
This universalizing effect makes the novel more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. Readers are encouraged to identify with the characters and to recognize the shared humanity of those who were unjustly targeted by the government.
4.2 Dehumanization and Loss of Identity
The lack of names also reflects the dehumanizing effects of internment. By stripping the characters of their individual identities, Otsuka highlights the way in which the government and society viewed Japanese Americans as a homogenous group, rather than as individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences.
The characters’ anonymity underscores their loss of agency and control. They are reduced to labels—”the woman,” “the girl,” “the boy,” and “the father”—which emphasizes their status as objects of government policy, rather than as autonomous human beings.
4.3 Fostering Empathy and Connection
Despite the anonymity of the characters, Otsuka creates a deep sense of empathy and connection between the reader and the family. By focusing on their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, she invites readers to understand their struggles and to share in their pain.
The lack of names encourages readers to focus on the characters’ inner lives and to recognize their shared humanity. This fosters a deeper level of empathy and compassion, making the novel a powerful indictment of prejudice and discrimination.
5. The Father’s Absence as a Powerful Presence
When they arrive at the camp in the Utah desert, the boy thinks he sees his father everywhere. Why is the father’s absence such a powerful presence in the novel? How do the mother and daughter think of him? How would their story have been different had the family remained together?
The father’s absence is a palpable and haunting presence throughout When the Emperor Was Divine. His absence, both physical and emotional, underscores the fragmentation of the family and the devastating impact of internment on their lives. The void left by his departure permeates the thoughts and actions of the mother, the daughter, and the son, shaping their experiences in profound ways.
5.1 Symbol of Loss and Disintegration
The father’s absence symbolizes the loss of family unity and the disintegration of their former lives. He represents the stability and security that have been taken away by the internment. His absence is a constant reminder of the injustice they have suffered and the uncertainty of their future.
For the boy, the father’s absence is particularly acute. He longs for his father’s guidance and protection, and his constant visions of his father reflect his deep-seated need for reassurance and love.
5.2 Different Perspectives on the Father
The mother, the daughter, and the son each have their own way of coping with the father’s absence:
- The Mother: She focuses on survival and maintaining a sense of normalcy for her children. She tries to shield them from the worst aspects of the internment and to remain strong in the face of adversity. However, her inner thoughts reveal her deep worry and longing for her husband.
- The Daughter: She is more aware of the injustice of their situation and expresses her anger and resentment more openly. She misses her father but also struggles to understand why he was taken away from them.
- The Son: As the youngest member of the family, he is the most vulnerable to the trauma of internment. He idealizes his father and clings to the hope of their eventual reunion.
5.3 Impact of Family Unity
Had the family remained together, their story would have been significantly different:
- Emotional Support: The father’s presence would have provided emotional support and stability for the family, helping them to cope with the challenges of internment.
- Shared Burden: They would have been able to share the burden of responsibility and decision-making, rather than relying solely on the mother.
- Preservation of Identity: The father’s presence would have helped to preserve their cultural identity and connection to their past.
5.4 Ethical Duty of Care
The removal of the father from his family raises questions about the ethical duty of care owed by governments to their citizens. The novel highlights the devastating consequences of policies that disregard the well-being of families and communities in the name of national security. Consider the ethical responsibilities in governance at CONDUCT.EDU.VN.
6. The Damaging Effects of Racism on Children
When the boy wonders why he’s in the camp, he worries that he’d done something horribly, terribly wrong. What does this passage reveal about the damaging effects of racism on children? What does it reveal about the way children try to make sense of their experience?
The boy’s anxieties about his presence in the internment camp—his fear that he has done something “horribly, terribly wrong”—reveals the profound and damaging effects of racism on children. This passage illustrates how children internalize societal prejudices and struggle to make sense of experiences that are beyond their comprehension.
6.1 Internalizing Guilt and Shame
The boy’s belief that he is responsible for his family’s internment is a reflection of the way racism can distort a child’s sense of self-worth. He internalizes the message that he is somehow inherently flawed or deserving of punishment because of his ethnicity.
This internalization of guilt and shame can have long-lasting psychological consequences, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Children who are subjected to racism may struggle to develop a positive sense of identity and may experience difficulties in their relationships with others.
6.2 Cognitive Dissonance
The boy’s confusion and anxiety also reflect the cognitive dissonance that children experience when confronted with racism. He is told that he is an American citizen, yet he is being treated as an enemy of the state. This contradiction creates a sense of disorientation and confusion, making it difficult for him to understand his place in the world.
Children often try to resolve this cognitive dissonance by blaming themselves for their situation. By believing that they have done something wrong, they can maintain a sense of control and predictability in an otherwise chaotic and unjust world.
6.3 Coping Mechanisms
The passage also reveals the ways in which children try to make sense of their experiences in the face of racism:
- Magical Thinking: The boy’s belief that he may have done something wrong “a long time ago that was just now catching up with him” suggests a form of magical thinking. He tries to find a rational explanation for his family’s internment, even if it means resorting to irrational beliefs.
- Seeking Explanations: Children often seek explanations from adults, but in the case of internment, adults may be unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory answers. This can leave children feeling confused, abandoned, and betrayed.
6.4 Ethical Responsibility to Protect Children
The boy’s experience highlights the ethical responsibility of adults to protect children from the harmful effects of racism. This includes creating safe and supportive environments where children can explore their identities, challenge stereotypes, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. Explore child protection guidelines at CONDUCT.EDU.VN.
7. Problematic Justifications for Internment
In the camp, the prisoners are told they’ve been brought there for their “own protection,” and that “it was all in the interest of national security.” Why, and in what ways, are these justifications problematic? What do they reveal about the attitude of the American government toward Japanese Americans? How would these justifications appear to those who were taken from their homes and placed behind fences for the duration of the war?
The justifications given to the internees—that they were being held for their “own protection” and in the “interest of national security”—are deeply problematic and reveal a disturbing attitude of the American government toward Japanese Americans. These justifications are based on false premises, discriminatory stereotypes, and a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of American citizens.
7.1 False Premises and Stereotypes
The claim that Japanese Americans were being held for their “own protection” is based on the false premise that they were at risk of violence from other Americans. While it is true that some Japanese Americans experienced prejudice and discrimination, there is no evidence to suggest that they were in imminent danger of widespread violence.
The justification that internment was necessary for “national security” is based on the discriminatory stereotype that Japanese Americans were inherently disloyal to the United States. This stereotype was fueled by wartime hysteria and a long history of anti-Asian prejudice.
7.2 Violation of Constitutional Rights
The internment of Japanese Americans violated their constitutional rights to due process, equal protection under the law, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. These rights are guaranteed to all American citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or national origin.
The government’s decision to intern Japanese Americans without any evidence of individual wrongdoing was a clear violation of their civil liberties. The fact that these rights were suspended in the name of national security sets a dangerous precedent for future abuses of power.
7.3 Perspective of the Internees
To those who were taken from their homes and placed behind fences, these justifications would have appeared as nothing more than lies and excuses. The internees knew that they were being punished for their ethnicity, not for any crime they had committed.
The experience of internment would have been deeply traumatizing, leading to feelings of betrayal, anger, and resentment. The internees would have struggled to understand why their own government was treating them as enemies of the state.
7.4 Ethical Leadership and Accountability
The government’s use of false justifications for internment raises questions about ethical leadership and accountability. Leaders have a responsibility to act in the best interests of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or national origin. They must be held accountable for decisions that violate constitutional rights and promote discrimination. For more on ethical leadership, visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN.
8. Parallels to the Treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany
What parallels does the novel reveal between the American treatment of citizens of Japanese descent and the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany?
While the American internment of Japanese Americans was not equivalent to the Holocaust, the novel reveals disturbing parallels between the treatment of Japanese Americans and the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany. These parallels highlight the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and the abuse of government power.
8.1 Dehumanization
Both Japanese Americans and Jews were subjected to dehumanizing propaganda that portrayed them as enemies of the state. They were stripped of their individual identities and treated as members of a homogenous group that posed a threat to national security.
This dehumanization made it easier for the government and society to justify discriminatory policies and acts of violence against them.
8.2 Loss of Property and Freedom
Both groups were forced to give up their homes, businesses, and possessions. They were subjected to curfews, travel restrictions, and other limitations on their freedom.
Japanese Americans were forced to live in overcrowded and unsanitary internment camps, while Jews were forced to live in ghettos and concentration camps.
8.3 Justification Based on National Security
Both the American and Nazi governments justified their actions based on the grounds of national security. They claimed that these measures were necessary to protect the country from internal and external threats.
However, these justifications were based on false premises and discriminatory stereotypes. They were used to mask the true motives of prejudice and political opportunism.
8.4 Lessons from History
The parallels between the treatment of Japanese Americans and Jews in Nazi Germany serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked government power and the importance of protecting civil liberties. History teaches us that prejudice and discrimination can lead to horrific consequences if they are not challenged and resisted.
9. Narrative Structure and its Effects
Much of When the Emperor Was Divine is told in short, episodic, loosely connected scenes—images, conversations, memories, dreams, and so on—that move between past and present and alternate points of view between the mother, daughter, and son. Why has Otsuka chosen to structure her narrative in this way? What effects does it allow her to achieve?
Otsuka’s choice to structure When the Emperor Was Divine as a series of short, episodic, and loosely connected scenes is a deliberate narrative strategy that allows her to achieve several important effects. This fragmented structure mirrors the fractured experiences of the internees and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
9.1 Reflecting Disorientation and Fragmentation
The episodic structure reflects the disorientation and fragmentation experienced by the family during and after their internment. The constant movement between past and present, and the shifting points of view, create a sense of unease and instability that mirrors the characters’ emotional state.
This fragmented narrative structure emphasizes the loss of continuity and coherence in their lives. The characters struggle to make sense of their experiences and to piece together a coherent narrative of their past.
9.2 Emphasizing Emotional Impact
The short, episodic scenes allow Otsuka to focus on specific moments and emotions, creating a powerful and visceral reading experience. Each scene is like a snapshot that captures a particular aspect of the internment experience.
By focusing on these individual moments, Otsuka is able to convey the emotional toll of internment on the characters in a more direct and impactful way. The reader is drawn into their inner world and experiences their pain, confusion, and fear.
9.3 Creating a Sense of Universality
The shifting points of view and the lack of a clear narrative voice create a sense of universality. The story is not just about one family’s experience, but about the collective experience of all Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II.
The fragmented structure also allows Otsuka to explore different perspectives and to challenge the reader’s assumptions. The reader is forced to piece together the story from multiple viewpoints, which encourages a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the internment experience.
9.4 Ethical Storytelling
Otsuka’s narrative structure can be seen as an ethical choice, as it avoids imposing a single, authoritative narrative on the internment experience. Instead, she allows the voices of the internees to speak for themselves, giving them agency and dignity.
10. Instructions After Release and Societal Impact
After the family is released from the camp, what instructions are they given? How do they regard themselves? How does America regard them? In what ways have they been damaged by their internment?
Upon their release from the internment camp, the family receives little in the way of support or guidance. They are essentially left to fend for themselves, with minimal resources and a profound sense of displacement. The instructions they are given are perfunctory and offer little comfort or assistance.
10.1 Lack of Support and Reintegration
The lack of support and reintegration efforts highlights the government’s failure to take responsibility for the harm it has caused. The internees are expected to simply pick up the pieces of their lives and return to a society that is often hostile and unwelcoming.
This lack of support underscores the injustice of the internment and the government’s indifference to the suffering of Japanese Americans.
10.2 Self-Perception
The family’s self-perception is deeply affected by their internment experience. They struggle with feelings of shame, anger, and loss of identity. They are no longer sure of their place in American society and question their own sense of belonging.
The mother, in particular, experiences a profound sense of alienation and self-doubt. She questions her own worth and struggles to regain her former sense of self.
10.3 Societal Perception
America’s perception of the family is often characterized by suspicion, prejudice, and ignorance. Many Americans continue to view Japanese Americans as disloyal and untrustworthy, despite their years of internment.
The family faces discrimination in housing, employment, and other areas of life. They are often treated as outsiders and are subjected to racial slurs and other forms of harassment.
10.4 Long-Term Damage
The internment has a lasting and devastating impact on the family:
- Emotional Trauma: The family members suffer from emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Loss of Trust: They lose trust in the government and in their fellow Americans.
- Erosion of Identity: Their cultural identity is eroded, and they struggle to reclaim their heritage.
- Economic Hardship: They face economic hardship due to the loss of their property and businesses.
10.5 Ethical Responsibility to Repair Harm
The government’s failure to provide adequate support and reparations to the internees raises questions about its ethical responsibility to repair the harm it has caused. Justice requires not only acknowledging past wrongs but also taking concrete steps to address the lasting consequences of those wrongs.
11. Reunion with the Father: A Stranger in Their Midst
When they are at last reunited with their father, the family doesn’t know how to react. He was somebody else, a stranger who had been sent back in our father’s place. Why do they regard him as a stranger? How has he been changed by his experience? In what ways does this reunion underscore the tragedy of America’s decision to imprison Japanese Americans during the war?
The reunion with the father is a poignant and deeply unsettling moment in the novel. Instead of the joyous homecoming they had longed for, the family is confronted with a man who is physically present but emotionally distant. They perceive him as “somebody else, a stranger who had been sent back in our father’s place.”
11.1 Transformation and Trauma
The father has been profoundly changed by his experience in the internment camp. He is physically weakened, emotionally withdrawn, and psychologically scarred. The trauma of his imprisonment has altered his personality and his ability to connect with his family.
The family’s inability to recognize their father underscores the dehumanizing effects of internment. The government’s actions have not only deprived him of his freedom but have also robbed him of his identity and his ability to function as a husband and father.
11.2 Communication Barriers
The father’s silence about his experiences creates a barrier between him and his family. They long to understand what he has been through, but he is unable or unwilling to share his pain.
This lack of communication further isolates the father and prevents the family from rebuilding their relationships. They are left to grapple with their own feelings of confusion, anger, and loss.
11.3 Underscoring the Tragedy
The father’s transformation underscores the tragedy of America’s decision to imprison Japanese Americans during the war. The internment not only violated their civil rights but also caused irreparable harm to individuals, families, and communities.
The reunion highlights the devastating consequences of prejudice and discrimination. The government’s actions have not only failed to protect national security but have also destroyed the lives of innocent people.
11.4 Ethical Considerations for Reconciliation
The family’s struggle to reconcile with the changed father raises ethical considerations about the process of healing and forgiveness after trauma. It prompts reflection on the responsibilities of both individuals and societies to support reconciliation and to create conditions that allow for healing and rebuilding. Seek related ethical guidance at conduct.edu.vn.
12. The Desire to Forget and the Novel’s Resistance
After the father returns home, he never once discusses the years he’d been away, and his children don’t ask. “All we wanted to do, now that we were back in the world, was forget.” Why do the children feel this way? Why would their father remain silent about such an important experience? In what ways does the novel fight against this desire to forget?
The family’s desire to forget their internment experience is a natural response to trauma. They long to put the past behind them and to move on with their lives. However, their silence and denial also reflect the difficulty of confronting painful memories and the societal pressures to conform and assimilate.
12.1 Coping Mechanism
The children’s desire to forget is a coping mechanism for dealing with the emotional pain and trauma of internment. They believe that by erasing the past, they can protect themselves from further suffering.
The father’s silence is also a form of coping. He may be unable to articulate his experiences or may fear that sharing them will only cause further pain.
12.2 Societal Pressure
The family’s desire to forget also reflects the societal pressures to assimilate and to avoid drawing attention to their Japanese heritage. They may fear that by talking about their internment experience, they will be subjected to further discrimination and prejudice.
This societal pressure to forget contributes to the silencing of Japanese American voices and the erasure of their history.
12.3 Novel’s Resistance to Forgetting
The novel itself is a powerful act of resistance against this desire to forget. By telling the story of the family’s internment, Otsuka ensures that their experiences will not be erased from history.
The novel also encourages readers to confront the difficult truths about America’s past and to learn from its mistakes. By remembering the internment, we can prevent similar injustices from happening in the future.
12.4 Ethical Obligation to Remember
The novel underscores the ethical obligation to remember and learn from the past, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. It highlights the importance of preserving historical memory as a safeguard against future abuses of power and violations of human rights.
13. The Mother’s Strength and Resilience
The mother is denied work because being a Japanese American might “upset the other employees” or offend the customers. She turns down a job working in a dark back room of a department store because she is afraid she “might accidentally remember who I was and . . . offend myself.” What does this statement reveal about her character? What strengths does she exhibit throughout her ordeal?
The mother is one of the most compelling characters in When the Emperor Was Divine. She embodies strength, resilience, and a quiet determination to protect her family in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her decision to turn down a job in the back room of a department store reveals her deep sense of self-respect and her refusal to be further dehumanized.
13.1 Protecting Self-Identity
The mother’s statement that she might “accidentally remember who I was and . . . offend myself” is a powerful expression of her struggle to maintain her identity in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. She recognizes that working in a demeaning and isolating environment would further erode her sense of self-worth.
Her refusal to accept such a job is an act of defiance and a testament to her inner strength. She refuses to allow society to define her or to diminish her sense of self-respect.
13.2 Strengths Exhibited
Throughout her ordeal, the mother exhibits several key strengths:
- Resilience: She demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, enduring the hardships of internment and the challenges of rebuilding her life after the war.
- Selflessness: She puts her children’s needs above her own, making sacrifices to ensure their well-being.
- Dignity: She maintains her dignity and self-respect, even in the face of dehumanizing treatment.
- Quiet Determination: She possesses a quiet determination to persevere and to create a better future for her family.
13.3 Ethical Role Modeling
The mother’s character serves as an ethical role model, demonstrating the importance of maintaining one’s dignity and self-respect in the face of injustice. Her actions inspire readers to resist oppression and to stand up for their own rights and the rights of others.
14. Symbolic Value of Flowers and Open-Ended Conclusion
Flowers appear throughout the novel. What symbolic value do the flowers have in this final passage? What does this open-ended conclusion suggest about the relationship between the family and the “strangers” they live among?
Flowers serve as potent symbols of hope, resilience, and the enduring beauty of life amidst the bleakness of internment and its aftermath. In the penultimate chapter, the image of the mother’s rosebush “blossoming madly, wildly, pressing one perfect red flower after another out into the late afternoon light” is particularly striking.
14.1 Symbol of Hope and Renewal
The flowers symbolize the possibility of renewal and the enduring power of hope, even in the face of adversity. They represent the family’s ability to find beauty and meaning in the world, despite the trauma they have experienced.
The red color of the roses may also symbolize love, passion, and the enduring bonds that connect the family members to one another.
14.2 Relationship with Strangers
The open-ended conclusion suggests that the relationship between the family and the “strangers” they live among remains complex and uncertain. While the family has returned to society, they are still grappling with the legacy of internment and the challenges of rebuilding trust.
The image of the rosebush in a “stranger’s backyard” suggests that there is still a possibility of connection and understanding between the family and the wider community. However, it also acknowledges the distance and the potential for misunderstanding that may persist.
14.3 Ethical Call for Empathy
The novel’s open-ended conclusion serves as an ethical call for empathy and understanding. It encourages readers to recognize the shared humanity of all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or background, and to work towards building a more just and inclusive society.
15. The Confession and the “Enemy” Within
When the Emperor Was Divine concludes with a chapter titled “Confession.” Who is speaking in this final chapter? Is the speech ironic? Why has Otsuka chosen to end the novel in this way? What does the confession imply about our ability to separate out the “enemy,” the “other,” in our midst?
The final chapter, “Confession,” is narrated from the perspective of someone who seems to embody the fear and prejudice that led to the internment. The speaker confesses to seeing the Japanese as an undifferentiated mass, a faceless “enemy” lurking within American society.
15.1 Voice of Prejudice
The “confession” is not a genuine admission of guilt or remorse, but rather a chilling articulation of the mindset that fueled the internment. The speaker reveals a deep-seated fear and distrust of those who are perceived as different or “other.”
The irony of the chapter lies in the fact that the speaker is confessing to a crime against humanity, yet remains unrepentant and unashamed.
15.2 Otsuka’s Purpose
Otsuka chooses to end the novel in this way to challenge readers to confront their own prejudices and to recognize the dangers of dehumanizing others. The “confession” serves as a warning about the ease with which fear and hatred can be used to justify injustice.
15.3 Separating “Enemy” from Ourselves
The confession implies that it is ultimately impossible to separate out the “enemy,” the “other,” in our midst. The “enemy” is not a distinct group of people but rather a set of ideas, beliefs, and attitudes that can reside within anyone.
The novel suggests that the only way to overcome prejudice and discrimination is to confront our own biases and to recognize the shared humanity of all individuals.
15.4 Ethical Imperative for Self-Reflection
The final chapter underscores the ethical imperative for self-reflection and critical examination of our own biases and prejudices. It challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about our past and to work towards building a more just and equitable future.
In conclusion, When the Emperor Was Divine is a powerful and moving novel that explores the devastating impact of Japanese American internment during World War II. Through its intimate portrayal of a single family’s experiences, the novel sheds light on the themes of identity, prejudice, and the enduring human spirit. By ending with the “Confession” Julie Otsuka forces the reader to face the reality of the deep seated racial discrimination the world can perpetrate.
FAQ: Understanding the Nuances of “When the Emperor Was Divine”
**1. What is the main theme of “When the Emperor Was Divine”?
