A Student's Guide to 'When the Emperor was Divine' - Themes, Symbols, and Historical Context

What was Executive Order 9066 and when was it signed?

It was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, authorizing the military to exclude any persons from designated areas, leading to the internment of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII.

What time period does the novel 'When the Emperor was Divine' cover?

The novel spans from 1942 to 1945, covering the period from initial evacuation through the family's return home after the war.

What significant event occurs in Chapter 1, 'Evacuation Order No. 19'?

The mother receives an evacuation notice, has 6 days to prepare, euthanizes the dog, and destroys items that could indicate Japanese loyalty.

What are some key details from Chapter 2, 'Train'?

The family travels by train to the Tanforan Assembly Center, wears identification tags, sleeps in horse stalls, and experiences the degradation of their temporary housing.

What happens in Chapter 3, 'When the Emperor was Divine'?

The boy experiences life in the Utah internment camp (Topaz), becomes angry and rebellious, and dreams of violence against white Americans.

What challenges does the family face upon returning home in Chapter 4, 'In a Stranger's Backyard'?

They find their house vandalized, belongings stolen, face hostility from neighbors, and struggle to readjust.

What is the focus of Chapter 5, 'Confession'?

It is narrated from the father's perspective, detailing his return from detention and his confession of crimes he didn't commit.

How are the family members characterized in the novel?

The mother is practical and protective, the daughter is observant and sensitive, the son becomes angry and violent, and the father is broken and paranoid.

What major theme relates to the characters losing their names and identities?

Loss of Identity and Dignity, as characters are reduced to generic figures and forced to live in subhuman conditions.

How does the theme of shame manifest in the novel?

The family internalizes blame for their treatment and feels ashamed of their Japanese heritage, with silence becoming a coping mechanism.

What does the novel suggest about the American Dream?

It portrays the fragility of the American Dream, showing that despite being citizens, the family is treated as enemies based on race and wartime hysteria.

What role does trauma play in the characters' lives?

Trauma is reflected in their silence and emotional repression, making communication within the family strained.

How does racism affect the family in the novel?

The family is seen as foreign despite being American, facing hostility during and after internment.

What do the horses at Tanforan symbolize?

They symbolize degradation and loss of human dignity, as the family sleeps where animals once lived.

What does the garden represent before and after the family's return?

Before: Represents the family's established American life; After: Symbolizes the destruction of their former identity and life.

What is the significance of identification tags and numbers in the novel?

They symbolize dehumanization, loss of individual identity, and government control over the interned individuals.

What does dust symbolize in the context of the novel?

Dust represents the pervasive nature of suffering and the harsh, unforgiving environment of the camps.

Who does 'The Emperor' refer to in the title, and what does it signify?

It refers to Emperor Hirohito of Japan, symbolizing the loss of imperial power and the disruption of the established order.

What narrative techniques are used in the novel?

The narrative features understated prose, multiple perspectives, spare language, and present tense to create immediacy.

How is the structure of the novel organized?

It consists of five chapters, each representing a different stage of the experience, with a chronological progression.

What is a key quote that emphasizes the psychological impact of internment?

"We were not the same people we had been before," highlighting the permanent change caused by their experiences.

What does the opening line, "I killed the dog," signify?

It establishes the harsh realities the family faces and sets the tone for loss and sacrifice.

What does the quote, "We had been marked," refer to?

It refers to both literal identification tags and the metaphorical marking of the family's status as outsiders.

What historical accuracy is depicted in the novel regarding internment camps?

The novel accurately portrays real locations like the Tanforan Assembly Center and Topaz Internment Camp, as well as the experiences of Japanese Americans during WWII.

What test preparation tips are suggested for understanding the novel?

Remember the unnamed characters, the sequence of events, symbolism, major themes, narrative technique, and historical context.