Lisa Suhair Majj's When The Emperor Was Divine

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Thesis Statement In "When the Emperor Was Divine," the identity crisis faced by Japanese-American characters illustrates Du Bois's concept of double consciousness, revealing the internal conflict between their American identity and the imposed identity of the "enemy" during WWII. Introduction to W.E.B. Du Bois's concept of double consciousness describes the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups in America as they navigate dual identities imposed by society. In the novel "When the Emperor Was Divine" by Julie Otsuka, Japanese-American characters face a profound identity crisis during their internment in WWII. This paper examines two incidents from the novel that highlight this crisis, analyzing how the characters react and the long-term effects on their sense of self. By incorporating …show more content…

The poem "Guidelines" by Lisa Suhair Majaj reflects similar themes of identity and double consciousness. Majaj advises Arab-Americans on how to navigate their identity in a society that often views them with suspicion. The poem highlights the internal conflict of maintaining one's cultural identity while trying to fit into American society, mirroring the experiences of Japanese-Americans in "When the Emperor Was Divine." Majaj's poem captures the essence of double consciousness, as Arab-Americans are advised to remember their heritage while also proving their American identity. This parallels the struggle faced by the characters in Otsuka's novel, who must navigate their dual identity in the face of societal prejudice. Essay by Joseph Geha Joseph Geha's essay "Where I’m From—Originally" also deals with themes of identity and belonging. Geha describes his experience as an Arab-American, constantly questioned about his origins and struggling to blend into American society. This mirrors the experiences of Japanese-Americans in the novel, who are seen as perpetual outsiders despite their loyalty to

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