-
Pearl Harbor gets bombed and her father is taken away
Pearl Harbor gets bombed by the Japanese which impacts Jeanne's family as well as many other Japanese people living in America. Her father is taken to a interrogation camp.
Type of event: This is a turning point because due to this event, Jeanne's whole life changed and it was the start of the journey of staying in a camp.
Relation to theme: Even though everything was so hectic, Jeanne stayed strong. -
Her father comes back and joins them in Manznar
Her father is one of the first men to arrive to Manzanar after nine months. He looks a lot older and ill.
Type of event: This is a turning point because the family reunites and it kind of becomes the start of a new chapter.
Relation to the theme: When her father returns, many insulted her father but Jeanne wasn't ashamed and didn't forget who she was. -
Jeanne's father becomes violent and abusive
After coming to Manzanar, Jeanne's father becomes reliant on alcohol and becomes violent. He almost kills Jeanne's mother but thankfully, Kiyo stops him.
Type of event: Character development: Jeanne becomes more fearful and timid because of this and changes.
Relation to the theme: Even though her father had changed so much, Jeanne never forgot about who she was and had hope for the future. -
Jeanne and her family is forced to clear out
Jeanne and her family is forced to move after the bombing. They are ordered to go to Manzanar where an internment camp is.
Type of event: Turning point because after so long, Jeanne finally gets out of the camp and starts a new life.
Relation to the theme: This change may have been hard for most but Jeanne was strong throughout it. -
Jeanne goes back to school and feels discrimination
Jeanne returns back to school and feels discriminated. She however is not ashamed of being Japanese.
Type of event: Positive character development because even though she is discriminated she never becomes ashamed and becomes a more mature individual.
Relation to the theme: Jeanne doesn't become ashamed of who she is even when so many people are against her. -
Jeanne's father disapproves of Caucasian men
Jeanne starts to like Caucasian boys at her school but her father strongly disapproves. He claims that she should get married to a Japanese man in the future.
Type of event: Turning point because in this event, Jeanne realizes who she is and how her father will never approve of a Caucasian.
Relation to the theme: This event relates to finding who you are and always remembering that. Jeanne will always be Japanese and she will never forget that. -
Jeanne gets married and has a family.
In the end, Jeanne Wakatsuki ends up getting married to a Caucasian man and has three children. She lives in California and is living a happy life.
Type of event: Positive character development because she is shown living a happy life with her family that she loves.
Relation to the theme: This event shows that if you don't give up and remember who you are, everything will work out. -
Theme statement
Theme: Through the ups and downs in life, never give up and do not forget who you are.
