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Life's journey often combines personal growth with influences from those close to us. It's a path where we grow together, shaped by influences we might not even realize. Heritage, a potent force, influences even the most independent among us. This theme echoes in literature and quotes, like Alice Walker's words: “In search of my mother's garden, I found my own.” This profound idea finds vivid expression in Jeanne Wakatsuki's memoir, "Farewell to Manzanar," where her World War II experiences not only trace her growth but also spotlight the impactful connection to her father's Japanese heritage.
Papa, as Jeanne lovingly calls her father, embodies a loyal American citizen with an equally strong tie to Japanese culture.
The memoir intricately navigates both Papa and Jeanne's journey in understanding the depth of their cultural identity. In her childhood, Jeanne, a native to America, tries distancing herself from her Japanese roots to fit in with her white peers.
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Papa, on the other hand, sees their culture as a guiding force. The clash in their perspectives surfaces vividly, especially in moments like Jeanne's decision to embrace Christianity and get baptized.
Papa, firmly against this deviation, anticipates potential interference with Jeanne's connections within Japanese culture. Jeanne's resentment towards Papa at that time is palpable: “I ran back to my bunk, devastated...I just hated Papa for weeks and dreamt of the white-gowned princess I might have become...He was right, of course... Years later, I silently thanked him for forcing me to postpone such decisions until I was old enough to think for myself.
But at the time it was unforgivable.” This poignant incident paints the cultural divide between them, symbolizing the clash between their individual worlds and perspectives.
Papa's role surpasses that of a parent; he becomes a figure of power throughout the memoir. His influence on Jeanne is profound, shaping her opinions and decisions based on how his actions affect the world around him. An early example unfolds when Papa returns from Fort Lincoln, an absence that triggers an unexpected emotional response from Jeanne. Instead of joy, she experiences deep sorrow, expressing it with the words, “I hugged him tighter, waiting to be happy that my father had come back. Yet I hurt so inside, I could only welcome him with convulsive tears.”
This episode signifies Papa as the paramount authority in Jeanne's life. When the government, a new and more significant power, removes him, Jeanne is left with a void. The void is quickly filled with uncertainty about the future and a newfound hatred of her own race. To counter this, Jeanne must reconstruct her concept of power, one that promises safety, security, and certainty. Papa's return marks a pivotal moment, revealing to Jeanne the extent of the changes that have occurred. Her realization that things can never return to the way they used to be overwhelms her, creating a quasi-existential crisis for the seven-year-old.
Woven into the narrative is the broader theme of change, symbolized by Papa's absence and return. Jeanne's evolving perceptions, triggered by these upheavals, encapsulate the transformative nature of personal growth. The memoir invites readers to contemplate the inevitability of change and its profound impact on shaping identity. It becomes evident that personal growth necessitates adapting to new sources of power and crafting a revised sense of self in response to life's unforeseen challenges.
The experiences of Jeanne depicted in "Farewell to Manzanar" transcend the specifics of her narrative, illustrating universal concepts applicable to everyone. It underscores the idea that individual personalities are molded by various factors, with heritage being a significant force.
As Jeanne grapples with the tensions between her past and future, between her heritage and societal demands, readers are prompted to reflect on their own struggles with identity and cultural influences. In concluding, much like Jeanne, individuals carry the imprints of their heritage, a reminder that understanding the past is crucial in navigating the uncertainties of the future.
Heritage, Influence, and Growth in "Farewell to Manzanar". (2022, Apr 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/a-reflection-of-the-memoir-farewell-to-manzanar-by-jeanne-wakatsuki-essay
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