Chapter 4
This chapter introduces the theme of the “American dream.” What message about the American dream is conveyed in this chapter?
Authors often use a style of writing that they believe suits the subject matter of the book. How would you describe Uchida’s writing style? How is Uchida’s writing style suitable and/or not suitable to the content/plot/message of the novel?
Chapter 5
One example of juxtaposition occurs within the exposition in this chapter: “ Hana had covered the table with a cloth- crocheted by her mother, but somehow the delicacy of the cloth seemed only to emphasize the utilitarian ugliness of the table.”
Try your hand at writing a one sentence description that juxtaposes two contrasting things.
Chapter 6
Yamaka and Taro are juxtaposed in this chapter. What key contrasting elements of personality does each character possess?
Chapter 7
On the second page of this chapter (page 42 in my copy) Hana feels the soft texture of her kimono and sees the beautiful peonies in the fabric design. These sensory experiences prompt what she calls a “happy memory.” The description of the happy memory is replete with sensory details- smells, tastes, sounds, textures, and actions. Research studies have shown that memories from childhood are often triggered by smell, taste, or texture.
Try your hand at recreating one of your vivid childhood memories by concentrating on sensory details.
Chapter 8
At one point in this chapter Taro shares Japanese foodstuff with Japanese agricultural workers and asks himself, “Was he really helping them become assimilated and accepted, which was for him, too, the ultimate goal?”
What are your thoughts on “the ultimate goal” or on “assimilation and acceptance”?
Personal aside/connection: On page 49 (or the second page of chapter 8) Taro observes the fields tended by the Japanese immigrants: “As they neared the farming commuities they saw endless fields of lettuce planted in neat, even rows. Taro always marveled at the sight.” As I read this segment, I recalled a weekend trip we took to central Taiwan to Fu Shou San Farm where the tea and cabbage made beautiful rows of endless well-tended green.
Chapter 9
This chapter informs our understanding of the influenza epidemic of 1919. Look up and share a fact, statistic, or example related to the impact of this virulent flu on the lives of people around the world.
Many professional authors have declared that good writing “shows” rather than “tells.” Comment on how this chapter effectively achieves this goal.
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