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4. After witnessing the fight between the two men, George asks his father about it (p. 224). What
5
does Takei include in this scene that acts as characterization of his father? Be sure to consider
what he says, what he does, and how he is visually portrayed.
5. Summarize the conflict between George and his father that begins on page 227. What position
does each of them take? What is the resolution?
Narrative
Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure

6. Vocabulary in Context. On page 217, Takei describes the movie he watched as a
“transporting experience.” What does the word transporting mean in this context, and how is it
similar to or different from other uses of that word?
7. How does Takei visually establish the perspective of a child through the framing of the panels
at the beginning of the narrative?
8. Look at the close-up of George after he sees the benshi do their work during the silent movie
(p. 218). Given what you know about Takei from the biography on page 211, what does the
framing and lighting seem to communicate?
9. How does Takei visually represent the men who “became disillusioned in the camp”
(pp. 220–221)? Are they dangerous, scary, heroic, or something else? Why might Takei
have presented them this way?
10. Look at the image on page 221, in which a father is being taken away from his family. Describe
the emotions in that scene and explain how Takei conveys those emotions.
11. On page 226, Takei writes, “As with many traumatic experiences, they were anguished by their
memories.” How does Takei capture this visually in the panel?
12. The narrative makes a significant jump in time at the end of this excerpt to when George is a
young man. Why do you think Takei may have decided to structure his story in this way?
13. Choose one page or even a single panel and explain the choices that Takei makes in the
framing or lighting to communicate a specific tone or idea.

Topics for Composing

14. Analysis. Reread the last scene with George and his father long after they have left the camp.
Identify and explain a theme Takei is examining about power, family, responsibilities, or
another topic. What evidence from the rest of the narrative supports your interpretation?
15. Argument. The term concentration camp tends to make people think of the Nazi
extermination camps of the Holocaust. Yet in 1998, there was an exhibit in New York called
America’s Concentration Camps: Remembering the Japanese-American Experience. During
World War II, these facilities were often referred to as internment, relocation, assembly, or
isolation camps. At the time of the exhibit, the New York Times wrote, “Some American Jewish
groups have strongly objected, arguing that the term has become indelibly associated with the
Holocaust and would be cheapened by being used in this way. Their concern that the
Holocaust be remembered as a uniquely vile expression of human evil is a reasonable one.” In
your opinion, what terms should be used to describe the locations where those of Japanese
descent were held prisoner and why does the language matter? Use this narrative, as well as
additional research and your own reasoning to support your position.

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Copyright © Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
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