The Impact of Hiroshima: Hersey's Insightful Narratives

The atomic bomb in Japan in 1945 resulted in the immediate deaths of 100,000 individuals, a tragedy that is difficult for humans to fully understand. John Hersey's Hiroshima provides insight into this significant event by recounting the experiences of six survivors. These informative narratives bring attention to crucial social issues that are relevant to contemporary Western readers as well as those living in American society during 1946. Through the use of techniques such as point of view, tone, and emotive language, Hersey prompts readers to contemplate changing values, Japan's response to the catastrophe, and moral dilemmas.

Before Hersey's account of the Hiroshima bombing, the audience was exposed to manipulated propaganda justifying the bomb as morally acceptable. This influenced readers to support the American decision to end the war. However, ''Hiroshima'' shifts focus to six survivors known as ''hibakusha'', showcasing their resilience and optimism after experiencing atomic devastation. Through a journalistic approach and impartiality, Hersey encourages readers to form their own opinions and question the moral consequences of American actions.

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Quoted from Rhodes, a scientist involved in creating the bomb, reflects on conflicting emotions felt upon seeing celebrations following the catastrophic event: "…I still remember feeling uneasy, even nauseous, when I saw many friends rushing to celebrate. While we were thrilled by our success, celebrating the sudden death of a hundred thousand people seemed rather macabre, even if they were considered 'enemies'."

Hersey demonstrates six characters in "Hiroshima" as ordinary individuals with genuine values and attitudes, fostering resentment towards Americans while evoking sympathy for the Japanese.

By depicting a widow, priest, and surgeon, Hersey creates a microcosm of Japanese society to illustrate the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. He does not take a stance on the decision to drop the bomb or show explicit sympathy for the Japanese victims. Instead, he focuses on their resilience rather than pain to avoid being perceived as anti-American, appealing to a wider audience. Hersey's objective tone, as seen in lines like "...they had not had the strength to move; they must have drowned," is a strategic way to prevent extreme controversy and engage readers, particularly those of the "New York Times."

It is undeniably cruel to kill thousands of people without warning, as described in the novel where victims suffered severe burns and pain. The descriptive language used effectively illustrates the devastation caused. While Truman may have had his country's interests at heart, there were likely other options available. The use of language techniques by Hersey highlights the true impact of Truman's decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima, ultimately causing suffering and death to innocent civilians.

Despite few of Hersey's characters having close family ties, the way Japan unites as a community during the crisis is emphasized. Unscathed individuals on the riverbank are assisting the wounded by providing water, food, and comfort as if they were family. Readers are encouraged to accept the characters' efforts to help strangers. Yet, despite these six characters supporting each other in rebuilding their lives, each one silently suffers individually. "The hurt ones were quiet, no one wept, much less screamed in pain, no one complained...not even the children cried."

After the explosion, the absence of communication creates a chilling, almost silent atmosphere to illustrate the peaceful and humble qualities of the Japanese people. The characters demonstrate remarkable patience and perseverance in the face of hardship. When Father Kleinsorge offers water to the injured, who are "almost obscured by flash burns," they gratefully accept and bow in gratitude. There are no outbursts of anger or vows of revenge against their enemy. Through the techniques employed by Hersey in this passage, readers are encouraged to appreciate Japanese culture and understand that despite the loss of thousands of lives, the bombing of Hiroshima brought the community together and shaped it into the nation it is today.

On the morning of the attack, the citizens of Japan were going about their daily lives, with values and priorities similar to those in contemporary Western society. Yet, they were oblivious to the fact that their lives would be forever changed when the bomb was dropped, leaving them in shock and tearing their families apart. Through the detail provided, readers can feel the profound impact on the characters as they adjust to their new reality. "Things don't matter anymore. Yesterday my shoes were my most important possessions. Today I don't care. One pair is enough."

The text highlights the value of life and the unimportance of material possessions. It repeatedly describes the suffering, wounds, and burns of thousands of people, as well as the overwhelming numbers of injured and dying individuals that doctors are unable to help due to the severity of their injuries. Dr. Sasaki is faced with the difficult decision of abandoning the severely wounded, prompting readers to sympathize with him as making such a decision would be extremely challenging given the devastating circumstances. He believes that if he promises to return and assist the victims, they will feel deceived when he ultimately cannot save them. Through the perspectives of each character, readers are prompted to feel anger and empathy towards the six survivors and how the bombing has impacted their priorities and future.

Hersey provides a vivid and moving portrayal of the Hiroshima bombing in his timeless novel, which captures the enduring impact of war on the Japanese people. From readers in 1946 to those in today's western society, Hiroshima evokes a range of emotions such as sympathy, anger, and remorse. Through his use of detail, language, tone, and point of view, Hersey challenges readers to confront powerful social values related to changing priorities, Japan's response to crisis, and moral and ethical dilemmas woven into the text. Ultimately, Hersey reveals the harsh realities of war - a side marked by devastating loss and profound suffering that is far from glorified.