Here are a few questions to ponder as you work through the first half of Monica Sone's Nisei Daughter for Wednesday the 28th. We have two long extended readings this quarter, which give us the opportunity to think about how individual lives can be used as a window on larger historical events. You need not write formal answers to these, but they will form the basis of our discussion in class.
- Describe the world in which Monica Sone grows up? How does it accord with what you know about Seattle and the United States at this time?
- Studies of immigration often focus intently on generational differences. What are the differences you see between the Issei and Nisei generations? How did each adjust to conditions in their adopted country? Why did Monica Sone’s parents decide to remain and make a life in the United States? As always, be prepared to cite specific passages in the text to support your answers.
- Sone’s story is told from the perspective of a young girl. How does that influence what we learn? How and why would the book be different if told from her father’s perspective? Or from someone outside the community?
- What kinds of opportunities and barriers exist for the Itoi family in Seattle?
No comments:
Post a Comment