... tender age of eight had to encounter such discrimination. The boy's innocence and naive ness is what makes readers feel sorry for him. I think that is why Cullen chose to make the character in his poem so young. If the boy had been a grown man instead I don't think his readers would have had the same reaction because in that time period that incident was nothing out of the ordinary ... you would feel. For example the part when he says that the incident was all that he could remember. He never said the boy was sad but I know if I had experienced that I would be distraught. I really liked...

• Word Count: 617
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... so deep that when he discovered evidence of Kabuo's innocence in the climax of the novel, he was caught between his conflicting desires to help and hurt Hatsue. Another underlying theme of this novel is the emotional effects of war. This theme ties in with the racial prejudice present in the book also. Although many of the Japanese citizens of San Piedro fought alongside the Americans during the war, it unleashed old biases that had ... bias, Guterson provides us with an understanding of the social complexities of a small town. In addition, the characters have to deal with age-old preju...

• Word Count: 1004
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... that at times seems non-existent, the text provides the reader an experience of the value of family in life. As Ellen had lost both parents at a young age she was deprived the luxury and sanction within the caring borders of close family. However, as Ellen goes to live with Julia and Roy, she discovers the emotions of love and happiness and how her innocence has been restored and able to grow ... . Through and exploration upon family and social life of the set time of Ellen Foster, the audience gains an understanding upon human experiences of the time. Throughout Kaye Gibbon's novel &apo...

• Word Count: 1059
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate