68 pages • 2-hour read
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
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Essay Topics
Compare the relationship between Henry and his father with the relationship between Marty and Henry. How are these relationships the similar, and how are they different?
Although Henry defies his parents in many ways, in others he is a dutiful son. What does he do to show his love and respect for his parents?
Is it surprising that Henry defies his parents so openly through his actions at the time of the Japanese evacuation? Why or why not?
Why are Keiko’s parents so accepting of Henry, when, like Henry’s parents, they were born in another country?
Keiko proudly identifies herself as an American. What does she mean by this? What American qualities is Keiko proud to claim?
Does Henry give up on Keiko too easily when he begins dating Ethel?
Why don’t Henry and Marty understand each other? What happened to cause such a deep divide between them at the beginning of the book?
How do the Okabes react to their circumstances in the internment camps? How do they try to keep life as normal as possible?
Does Ethel bear some responsibility for separating Henry and Keiko? Does Henry resent her for whatever role she may have played?
Henry and Keiko have lived apart for more than 40 years when they reunite at the end. Based on their past history together, what might happen with their relationship in the future?
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