Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the nature of Henry and Keiko's relationship?

Broken

What does Sheldon give to Henry?

A record (correct)

His saxophone

Advice

Money

What does Henry's father do with Keiko's family's things?

He sells them

He gives them to Henry saying he misunderstood the Japanese

He gives them to Henry without a word

He drops them out the window (correct)

What thing does Henry do to defy his father?

He walks out the door and gets Keiko's family's things Signup and view all the answers

How do Henry's parents treat him?

They pretend he's not there Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Beatty do with Keiko's presents?

She dips them in rice Signup and view all the answers

How do people treat Keiko now?

They tease her because she's 'not Japanese enough' Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry hear off in the distance as he leaves Camp Harmony?

Oscar Holden's album playing Signup and view all the answers

Why are the citizens in Camp Harmony moving farther inland?

For protection against any bombings or invasions Signup and view all the answers

Who helps Henry receive letters from Keiko?

Henry's mother Signup and view all the answers

Who does Henry see besides his mother when he walks into his home?

Dr. Luke Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Henry's father?

He had a stroke Signup and view all the answers

Why does Henry feel guilty about his father's condition?

He thinks he worked him up with all the events that had to do with Keiko and her family Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Chaz?

He was kicked out of the Rainier school Signup and view all the answers

Where is Keiko and her family now?

In Idaho in a place called Minidoka Wartime Relocation Center Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry get after he talks with Sheldon and comes home?

A letter from Keiko Signup and view all the answers

What did Sheldon want Henry to do?

Go see Keiko in Idaho Signup and view all the answers

Does Henry go with Sheldon to see Keiko after all?

True Signup and view all the answers

What surprises Henry and Sheldon about how Walla Walla is?

No one there seemed unfriendly Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry give to Sheldon?

Oscar Holden's album Signup and view all the answers

Where does Henry spend the night when he goes to see Keiko?

In Keiko's house in the relocation center Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry's secret that he tells Keiko?

He wanted to sneak her out of the relocation camp Signup and view all the answers

What was Keiko's secret that she tells Henry?

She would go with him or at least try Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry ask of Mr. Okabe?

If he could court Keiko Signup and view all the answers

Does Mr. Okabe agree to Henry's question?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Henry's promise to Keiko?

That he will wait for her until the war was over Signup and view all the answers

What was Henry expecting when he went home?

His parents would be very mad at him Signup and view all the answers

What does Henry find in his room?

Both A and C Signup and view all the answers

What is in the pocket of the suit?

An envelope containing tickets to China Signup and view all the answers

What is his mother's opinion on this?

She wants to obey her husband but she doesn't want to lose her son Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Panama Hotel

A location where Japanese-Americans left personal belongings before internment camps.

Henry

Not Japanese; he is Chinese.
Lives in Seattle and is a widower.
Has a son named Marty in college.

Characters

Marty Lee: Henry's son.
Mrs. Beatty: The lunch lady at Henry's school who defends Henry and Keiko from bullies.
Keiko Okabe: New Japanese-American girl and Henry's best friend.
Sheldon: An African-American saxophonist and Henry's friend.
Oscar Holden: Owner of a jazz record store, later meets Henry and Keiko.

Discrimination faced by Japanese-Americans during WWII leads to Henry’s father labeling him "I am Chinese" for safety amidst prejudice.
Henry's family dynamics are complicated; his father expresses hostility towards Japanese due to personal history with invasion.

Key Events

Henry skips school for lunch with Sheldon, a consequence of bullying.
Japanese items are burned in Japantown, signaling the escalating tensions.
Henry’s father's indifference to Japanese internment shows broader societal attitudes.

Relationships

Henry’s longing for understanding contrasts with his father’s harsh views on Japanese-Americans.
Henry’s bond with Keiko evolves amidst the societal rift, emphasizing friendship across cultural lines.

Emotional Elements

Events evoke nostalgia and regret, notably as Henry searches for reminders of Keiko.
Henry grapples with his identity throughout the narrative, reflecting on familial expectations versus personal beliefs.

Symbolism

The "I am Chinese" button symbolizes identity and belonging.
Oscar Holden's album represents lost connections and shared cultural heritage.

Final Events

As internment occurs, friendships face strain.
Henry’s resolve culminates in acts of defiance against his father's views, especially regarding Keiko's family's possessions.

Personal Growth

Henry’s character arc demonstrates the struggle between societal pressures and personal convictions.
Resilience amidst adversity and the longing for connections that span racial divides is central to his journey.

Resolution

The story conveys themes of loss, identity, and the complexities of friendship against the backdrop of cultural conflict during wartime.### Henry’s Relationships and Family
Henry's mother helps him receive letters from Keiko, enhancing their communication.
Henry sees Dr. Luke when he returns home, indicating important relationships beyond his family.
Henry’s father had a stroke, affecting Henry deeply and contributing to his feelings of guilt.

Themes of Guilt and Responsibility

Henry feels guilty for his father's stroke, believing stress from events related to Keiko played a role.
The theme of guilt is further explored through Henry’s reflections on family connections and support.

Chaz's Situation

Chaz faces consequences for his actions, being kicked out of the Rainier school, highlighting the difficulties the characters are encountering.

Keiko’s Relocation Experience

Keiko and her family are at the Minidoka Wartime Relocation Center in Idaho, illustrating the impact of war on Japanese Americans.
Henry expresses a desire to sneak Keiko out of the camp, symbolizing his commitment and challenging the injustices faced.

Letters and Communication

Henry receives a letter from Keiko after meeting Sheldon, emphasizing the importance of their correspondence during this difficult time.
Sheldon's suggestion for Henry to visit Keiko reflects a supportive friendship despite the challenges they face.

Cultural Perceptions and Experiences

Upon arriving in Walla Walla, Henry and Sheldon find everyone to be friendly, countering expectations of hostility.
Henry gifts Sheldon with an album by Oscar Holden, showcasing their shared appreciation for music amidst their struggles.

Henry’s Visit to Keiko

Henry spends the night in Keiko's house in the relocation center, solidifying their bond and the challenges they face together.
Both Henry and Keiko reveal personal secrets to each other, deepening their connection and understanding of one another’s struggles.

Promises and Aspirations

Henry promises Keiko he will wait for her until the war is over, representing hope and commitment despite uncertainty.
Henry's discussion with Mr. Okabe about courting Keiko indicates the respect for family and cultural norms.

Family Dynamics

Henry anticipates a negative reception from his parents upon returning home, signalling conflict in family dynamics.
He finds a black suit and brown leather dress shoes in his room, suggesting preparations or expectations from his family.

Financial Discovery

An envelope containing tickets to China is found in the suit's pocket, indicating future possibilities or plans that may affect Henry’s life choices.

Mother's Concerns

Henry's mother struggles between obeying her husband's desires and worrying about losing her son, showcasing tension in familial relationships due to external pressures.

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