Denise assumes that the speaker is the enemy. Her accusation of the speaker "giving secrets away to the Enemy" implies that she perceives the speaker as a threat or as someone who is betraying their own community. This suggests that Denise believes the speaker is aligned with the enemy rather than being innocent.
I saw Denise today in Geography class.
She was sitting on the other side of the room.
“You're trying to start a war,” she said, “giving
secrets
away to the Enemy, Why can't you keep your big
mouth shut?”
“In Response to Executive Order 9066: All Americans of Japanese Descent Must Report to Relocation Centers”, from Crossing With the Light by Dwight Okita. Copyright © 1992 by Dwight Okita. Tia Chucha Press, 1992, Chicago.
What assumption is made about the speaker of the poem by Denise?
Denise assumes that the speaker is innocent.
Denise assumes that the speaker is the enemy.
7 answers
My best friend is a white girl named Denise —
we look at boys together. She sat in front of
me
all through grade school because of our
names:
O'Connor, Ozawa. I know the back of
Denise's head very well.
Why does the speaker share details about race, friendship, and names in this stanza? Check all the correct answers.
to indicate that the students were already segregated and isolated
to emphasize the idea that all Americans were treated as equals prior to the attack
to reveal the extent of the impact resulting from the attack on Pearl Harbor
to identify the compassionate response following the attack on Pearl Harbor
we look at boys together. She sat in front of
me
all through grade school because of our
names:
O'Connor, Ozawa. I know the back of
Denise's head very well.
Why does the speaker share details about race, friendship, and names in this stanza? Check all the correct answers.
to indicate that the students were already segregated and isolated
to emphasize the idea that all Americans were treated as equals prior to the attack
to reveal the extent of the impact resulting from the attack on Pearl Harbor
to identify the compassionate response following the attack on Pearl Harbor
The correct answers are:
-
to indicate that the students were already segregated and isolated - The mention of names (O'Connor and Ozawa) highlights a racial distinction that suggests segregation or separation based on ethnicity.
-
to reveal the extent of the impact resulting from the attack on Pearl Harbor - The context of the names, their friendship, and the subsequent accusations all point to the broader implications of racial tensions and discrimination that arose after Pearl Harbor.
The other options do not accurately reflect the nuances presented in the stanza. The friendship between the speaker and Denise does not suggest equality prior to the attack, nor does it directly identify compassion in the aftermath. Instead, it sets up a contrast that becomes more significant given the historical context.
Consider how the speaker presents Denise’s assumptions and attitude (tone) about the topic to determine the theme. Summarize the theme in your own words.
The theme revolves around the complexities of friendship and identity in the face of prejudice and conflict. Denise’s assumptions reveal a deep-seated fear and mistrust, highlighting how societal tensions can strain personal relationships. The speaker’s friendship with Denise, juxtaposed with Denise's accusatory tone, underscores the challenges faced by individuals of different races during times of crisis, particularly when external events (like the attack on Pearl Harbor) exacerbate existing prejudices. Ultimately, the theme reflects the fragility of human connections and the painful impact of discrimination, showing how friendship can be tested by broader social issues.
Which of the following ideas about the theme did you did include in your summary? Check all that apply to your response.
How the attack on pearl harbor turned friends against each other
The impact of executive order 9066 on Japanese Americans
The Japanese American viewpoint on relocation
How the attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in unfair treatment of Japanese Americans
How the attack on pearl harbor turned friends against each other
The impact of executive order 9066 on Japanese Americans
The Japanese American viewpoint on relocation
How the attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in unfair treatment of Japanese Americans
In my summary, I included the following ideas about the theme:
-
How the attack on Pearl Harbor turned friends against each other - The mention of Denise's assumptions and the strain on the friendship indicates how the attack created divisions and mistrust.
-
How the attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in unfair treatment of Japanese Americans - The overall context of the speaker's situation highlights the broader issues of discrimination and prejudice that arose following the attack, particularly through Executive Order 9066.
The other ideas, while related to the themes of the poem, were not explicitly stated in my summary. Specifically, I did not separately emphasize the impact of Executive Order 9066 on Japanese Americans or the Japanese American viewpoint on relocation, though those concepts are implied in the discussion of prejudice and friendship.
1 answer