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Summary:Japanese-American tension increased dramatically after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Since Jeanne's father was near the area, he was arrested.
Type of event:This event is a turning point because it changes her family's life. Her father is gone and because of America's distrust in Japanese citizens, her story will change too.
Relates to theme:It relates to the theme because of the effect it has on her family. Life isn't as peaceful as after the bombing and she slowly comes to face reality. -
Summary: After the harbor was bombed, distrust in Japanese - American citizens grew even further. Many families were moved to internment camps. Jeanne's family was moved to Manzanar.
Type of Event: Turning point, her normal life changes direction and is replaced by a life at Manzanar.
Relates to Theme: At Manzanar, the character's understanding of the world increases and she grows out of her childhood innocence. There, she builds her identity as a Japanese-American girl. -
Summary: Jeanne's father returns after being arrested years ago. He stays with them in Manzanar. However, he also created problems within the family
Type of Event: Character Development, Ko's (father) outbursts, aggression, and stubbornness divides the family and Jeanne gradually loses her respect for him.
Relates to the theme: She begins to realize that her family isn't as great as she thought, her father becomes a violent alcoholic, creating conflict. -
Summary: The government closes down all interment camps. The Wakatsuki family is free and they have to find a life in the outside world.
Type of Event: Turning point, Jeanne is finally free and her story changes direction once again as her life inside Manzanar ends and her life in the outside world begins.
Relate to theme: How accepted is Jeanne's identity to the world and to herself. -
Summary: Jeanne is conflicted between preserving her Japanese culture and being American. In high school, she is voted queen but her cloths and posture as queen go against the Japanese traditions and elegance.
Type of event: Character development, Jeanne realizes that because she is both Japanese and American, she must find a balance between the two, instead of trying to be one or the other.
Relates to the theme: Jeanne is trying to figure out who she is and her identity. -
Summary: Years after leaving Manzanar, Jeanne returns with her husband and kids.
Type of Event: Character Development, Jeanne reflects on her life at Manzanar and how she feels about it.
Relates to the theme: Jeanne is understanding what Manzanar means to her and how it shaped who she is. -
As you grow and mature, you begin to understand reality as well as your identity
