Characters
Who is the author and narrator of Farewell to Manzanar?
Who is Jeanne Wakatsuki?
What historical event led to the internment of Japanese Americans?
What is World War II?
What theme involves the struggle to maintain identity during hardship?
What is cultural identity?
What does “internment” mean?
What is the forced confinement or imprisonment of people?
Why is Jeanne’s family sent to Manzanar?
Because they are Japanese Americans forced to relocate during WWII.
What is the name of Jeanne’s father?
Who is Ko Wakatsuki?
Where is the Manzanar internment camp located?
What is California?
What theme deals with the unfair treatment of Japanese Americans?
What is injustice or racism?
Define “evacuation” as used in the memoir.
What is the forced removal from a place of residence?
What happens to Jeanne’s father after the family arrives at Manzanar? (Hint: There are 2 parts to this answer.)
He loses his job and struggles with his pride and role.
Which family member is known for being strict and proud?
Who is Papa (Ko Wakatsuki)?
What government order authorized the relocation of Japanese Americans?
What is Executive Order 9066?
What theme is shown by the Wakatsuki family’s ability to survive and rebuild?
What is resilience?
What is a “barrack”?
What is a simple building used to house many people, especially in camps?
What event causes tension and violence within Manzanar?
The “Manzanar Riot” or conflict over loyalty and treatment.
Who is Jeanne’s mother, known for her strength and resilience?
Who is Riku Wakatsuki?
In what years was Jeanne Wakatsuki interned at Manzanar?
What are 1942 to 1945?
What theme involves the conflict between loyalty to family and country?
What is loyalty or patriotism?
What does “discrimination” mean?
What is unfair treatment of people based on race, ethnicity, or other factors?
How does Jeanne cope with life in the camp?
By attending school, making friends, and trying to find normalcy.
Name Jeanne’s older brother who struggles with his identity after the camp.
Who is Woody Wakatsuki?
What was the main reason the U.S. government gave for the internment?
What is national security or suspicion of espionage?
What theme is explored through Jeanne’s personal growth and understanding?
What is coming of age or self-discovery?
Define “resilience.”
What is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties?
What happens to the Wakatsuki family after Manzanar closes?
They face challenges reintegrating into society and dealing with prejudice.
In Farewell to Manzanar, Jeanne describes watching the barbed wire and guard towers from inside the camp. These details most strongly symbolize this central idea about the experience of Japanese Americans during WWII.
What is the loss of freedom and forced confinement (or the violation of civil rights)?