42 pages • 1-hour read
Farewell to Manzanar: A True Story of Japanese American Experience During and After the World War II Internment
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Essay Topics
How does the history of Asian American immigration, as well as the subsequent legislature targeting immigrants of Asian American descent, relate to Executive Order 9066?
What was the effect of the Loyalty Oath on the residents of Manzanar? Discuss its divisive nature as well as the discussions surrounding the Oath in camp.
Consider what it means to belong in A Farewell to Manzanar. Did Papa feel like he belonged in the US? Why or why not?
Why does life in Manzanar undermine the family unit? How does this affect the well-being of those in Manzanar?
Consider daily life in Manzanar. In what ways was it similar to the outside world? In what ways was it different?
What were the causes and effects of the December Riot in 1942?
Select one of Jeanne’s family members, as described in the memoir, and describe the effects of Manzanar on this person’s mental health.
Why did Jeanne’s parents delay leaving Manzanar until the last possible moment? How does this relate to the theme of the Fear of the Unknown?
Compare and contrast Jeanne’s fears about life after Manzanar with the reality. How did she expect society to view her, and were her expectations accurate?
What does saying “Farewell” to Manzanar really mean for Jeanne? Why might she have titled her book the way she did?
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