Before taking part in the seminar “Introduction to American Ethnic Groups: Asian Americans”, I had neither heard anything about the situation of Asians living in the United States nor could I define terms like Issei, Nisei, relocation camp or assembly center. Through reading “The Chessmen”, looking for informatio n on Asian American internet sites, and the biography of Toshio Mori I got a first impression of this subject in general and I got some inside into the working conditions of Japanese gardeners working in the US in the 1930s. Before reading this seven page story I thought that it would be impossible to write sixteen pages about such a short piece of literature, but once I finished reading I realized that there is extraordinary depth to this subject. In my opinion, Toshio Mori’s “The Chessmen” is more than a fictional text dealing with the struggle of two Japanese gardeners trying to keep their job in a nursery in California. The situation Toshio Mori focuses on reflects today’s society and the way we have to behave in order to achieve something in life. I decided to base my essay on the facts that are important to fully understand his works, so I began with some background information and dealt with the biography of Toshio Mori and his topics of writing in general. Then I summarized the story. After writing an interpretation of “The Chessmen” I asked myself what the title of the story might have to do with the contents. Since the relation between George and Nakagawa-san mirrors Darwin’s survival of the fittest I tried to transfer this idea into modern times. I ended my paper with a conclusion that states my own opinion about “The Chessmen”.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Background information on Toshio Mori
- Biography
- Topics of writing
- Analysis of "The Chessmen"
- Summary and interpretation
- Explanation of the title
- Transfer into modern times
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Toshio Mori's short story "The Chessmen," exploring its significance within the context of Asian American literature and its relevance to contemporary societal dynamics. The essay examines Mori's biography and writing style, delves into the themes and narrative elements of "The Chessmen," and analyzes its message within the context of survival and societal expectations.
- The struggle of Japanese immigrants in the United States during the 1930s
- The impact of cultural differences and prejudice on individuals and communities
- The themes of survival, competition, and the pursuit of success in a challenging environment
- The relationship between individual aspirations and societal expectations
- The portrayal of Japanese American identity and experience in Mori's work
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The introduction establishes the context of the essay and introduces the reader to the subject of Asian American literature, focusing on the experiences of Japanese Americans in the United States. It also provides background information on the author, Toshio Mori, and his story "The Chessmen."
- The chapter on Toshio Mori's biography provides a detailed account of his life, highlighting his early influences, career path, and the impact of World War II on his personal and professional life. It also discusses his writing style and the themes he explored in his works.
- The analysis of "The Chessmen" provides a summary and interpretation of the story, examining the main characters, their interactions, and the underlying themes of the narrative. It also explores the significance of the story's title and its relationship to the content.
- The chapter on the transfer of the themes of "The Chessmen" into modern times discusses the relevance of the story's themes to contemporary society and explores how the story's message resonates with contemporary issues related to competition, survival, and the pursuit of success.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key terms and concepts explored in this essay include Asian American literature, Japanese American identity, Toshio Mori, "The Chessmen," cultural differences, prejudice, survival, competition, societal expectations, and the relationship between individual aspirations and societal pressures. The analysis focuses on the intersection of these themes within the context of a specific historical moment and their relevance to contemporary social issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of Toshio Mori's "The Chessmen"?
The story deals with the struggle of two Japanese gardeners in 1930s California who are trying to keep their jobs in a nursery amidst competition and societal pressure.
Who was Toshio Mori?
Toshio Mori was a significant Japanese American author known for his portrayals of the Japanese immigrant experience, particularly during the era of World War II and relocation camps.
What do the terms Issei and Nisei mean?
Issei refers to first-generation Japanese immigrants to the US, while Nisei refers to their children, the second generation born in the United States.
How does the title "The Chessmen" relate to the story?
The title serves as a metaphor for the characters' lives, suggesting they are pieces in a larger game of survival and societal expectations, where their moves are often restricted by external forces.
What is the significance of the relationship between George and Nakagawa-san?
Their relationship reflects Darwin's "survival of the fittest," illustrating the competitive nature of their work environment and the struggle to maintain dignity under economic hardship.
- Citation du texte
- Simone Zimmermann (Auteur), 2003, Analysis of Toshio Mori "The Chessmen", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/42872
