Friday questions:

1. Would Manjiro rather live in Japan or the U.S. and why does he make the decision(s) to live where he does?

• I think he would have stayed in the U.S. because he had better opportunities and resources. 

2. How does Manjiro relate to the ocean?

• He spends most of his time either on or around the ocean. It is a source and way of life for him, as well as an escape.

3. If the roles were switched, could Manjiro have been as successful?

• I think because of the cultural differences, had someone come from the U.S. gone to Japan, it would not have been as important. This is because Japan was a very closed off nation during that time. A very honoristic society. 

4. Give two examples of continuity in Manjiro's experiences and relationships with people in different places. 

• He finds that people are judgmental and racist in both the U.S. and his home country.
• Both U.S. and Japan had good work ethics.

Andre Fourie