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Obasan World War II was a great tragedy not only in the countries where war and battles were taking place but also close to home. Even here in Canada a great number of tragedies were occurring, such as the poor treatment of any Japanese-Canadian citizens. The novel of Obasan written by Joy Kogawa tells the story of a young Japanese-Canadian girl from British Columbia and the occurrences and treatment of herself, her family, and fellow Nisei during the troubling times of World War II. In Obasan the damaging effects of racism is shown through the literary devices of allusion, irony, and imagery. First, using the device of allusion, the theme of the damaging effects of racism is developed. Allusions concerning children’s literature are used often and very effective especially in the novel Obasan. To start, racism can take its toll on people because it constantly forces them to stand up for themselves and for their rights. An allusion to Mighty Mouse is used when Kogawa states that Aunt Emily was “a crusader, a little old grey-haired Mighty Mouse, a Bachelor of Advanced Activists and a General Practitioner of Just Causes” (32). This allusion to Mighty Mouse gives the idea that Aunt Emily is having to fight for what she believes to be the good and righteous side at all times. When stated in the description Aunt Emily, Naomi describes her as little, old, and grey-haired showing how having to combat social problems of racism in the same way that Mighty Mouse fights evil, has left Aunt Emily old and worn out. Also, the destructive effects of racism can be seen when the allusion of Humpty Dumpty is made to show how racism can cause people to become cracked and torn by being afraid to show their national roots. This rejection of heritage is shown when Kogawa writes, “Stephen is scowling as Obasan returns and offers him a rice ball. ‘Not that kind of food,’ he says. Stephen, half in and half out of his shell, is Humpty Dumpty - cracked and surly and unable to move” (115). The allusion to Humpty Dumpty shows how Stephen is experiencing a fall in his life. When he cracks or gives up his heritage, Stephen will not be able to be put back together again and reconnected with his heritage. Stephen is prepared to hide his family background so that he can better fit in. The allusion to Humpty Dumpty helps to develop the theme because it shows how racism can effect a person to the point where they are willing to give up their family roots and traditions in order to escape the torment of people who are prejudice.
Approximate Word count = 1782
Approximate Pages = 7.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
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