When the Emperor Was Divine

Definition

'When the Emperor Was Divine' is a novel by Julie Otsuka, published in 2002, which narrates the experiences of a Japanese American family during World War II, focusing on their internment after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The story captures the emotional and psychological effects of displacement, loss, and identity in the face of racism and wartime hysteria. Through its multi-perspective narrative, the novel highlights the impact of historical events on individual lives and reflects broader themes of cultural alienation and resilience within Asian American literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'When the Emperor Was Divine' explores the experiences of a Japanese American family in an internment camp, showcasing the mundane realities of their life amid historical trauma.
2. The novel uses a unique narrative style by alternating perspectives among family members, allowing for a more profound understanding of each character's emotional journey.
3. Otsuka's work emphasizes themes of loss and memory, as the characters grapple with the absence of their previous lives and the impact of war on their identities.
4. The book highlights the injustices faced by Japanese Americans, focusing on how society's fear led to widespread discrimination and loss of civil liberties during wartime.
5. By depicting both personal and collective trauma, Otsuka's novel serves as a critical reflection on history, identity, and resilience within the Asian American context.

Review Questions

• How does Julie Otsuka's use of multiple perspectives in 'When the Emperor Was Divine' enhance the reader's understanding of the family's experience during internment?
  • The use of multiple perspectives allows readers to gain insight into each family member's unique emotional response to internment. By sharing different viewpoints, Otsuka illustrates how each character processes their feelings of loss, fear, and resilience in distinct ways. This narrative choice enriches the story by highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the varied impacts of historical trauma on individuals.
• In what ways does 'When the Emperor Was Divine' address themes of cultural alienation and identity for Japanese Americans during World War II?
  • 'When the Emperor Was Divine' addresses themes of cultural alienation by portraying the characters' struggles with their identities in a society that devalues them due to their ethnicity. The internment experience forces them to confront their Japanese heritage amid hostility and discrimination. Otsuka emphasizes how these challenges shape their sense of self and belonging, ultimately revealing both the fragility and resilience of identity in times of crisis.
• Analyze how 'When the Emperor Was Divine' serves as a critique of wartime policies and societal attitudes towards Japanese Americans, considering its implications for contemporary discussions on race and civil rights.
  • 'When the Emperor Was Divine' critiques wartime policies by illustrating the devastating effects of internment on Japanese Americans, revealing systemic racism driven by fear rather than evidence. The novel encourages readers to reflect on historical injustices while drawing parallels to contemporary issues surrounding race and civil rights. By exposing how prejudice can lead to widespread violations of civil liberties, Otsuka's work invites ongoing discussions about justice, inclusion, and accountability in today's society.

Related terms

Internment Camps: Facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated during World War II, reflecting systemic racism and government policies driven by fear.

Cultural Alienation: The feeling of estrangement or disconnection experienced by individuals from their cultural identity, often due to societal pressures or discrimination.

Japanese American Experience: The historical and cultural narrative surrounding Japanese Americans, particularly during World War II and their struggles with identity, belonging, and acceptance.