Jan 3, 2010

Obasan | Suggested Essay Topics

Chapters 1-14
1. From Stephen, Naomi learns that “we are both the enemy and not the enemy.” She considers the double message a riddle. Explain how a family of Issei and Nisei—Japanese-born citizens living in Canada, raising Canadian-born children—might be seen as “both the enemy and not the enemy” in the eyes of society at the time World War II broke out. Point out examples from Aunt Emily’s diaries and news clippings, and explain how the change in society effects both Stephen and Naomi and how...