Heart of a Samurai

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2010

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Parts 1-2

Part 3

Part 4-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Themes

The Conditions for Inter-Cultural Understanding

Cultural exchange is the most prominent theme in Heart of a Samurai. Due to the stark differences between Japan and America and Japan’s isolation, Manjiro’s entry into American culture is often tense and confusing both for him and others. The characters must learn to interact with one another and understand their differences and similarities. Manjiro’s commitment to learning and adapting to American culture shows this theme, but the balance is unequal. Few characters take the time to learn about Japanese culture in much depth.

The two cultures do not know much about each other. American clothing and food are mysteries to Manjiro and his companions. At the end of the novel, Lord Nariakira says, “Tell me about this country you have been to” (257), revealing that even Japanese elites know little about America. The Americans are equally uninformed about Japan. The cultures are presented as opposites. Customs are different, with politeness in Japan coming across as rudeness in America. Manjiro serves as a bridge between the two worlds. By learning American customs and culture, he can help the two countries begin to come to an understanding.

Manjiro is not bitter that the Americans do not learn much about Japan; he tells them about it when the opportunity arises, such as telling Whitfield about the calendar or Terry about samurai. Still, he longs to be understood in the way he understands others. He dreams that William Henry will sail to Japan and “walk the road to my home” (175). The novel posits that the exchange is unequal because of Japan’s isolation. If Americans could visit Japan, they could learn about Manjiro’s culture in the way he learns about theirs.

Cultural exchange and understanding are presented optimistically; while the Americans may not learn much about Japan, they are receptive to what they do learn. This fact bodes well for the future that Manjiro looks to bring about. While most Japanese are wary of American culture, and vice versa, Manjiro’s curiosity and determination make him the perfect model for future understanding between the two countries.

The Importance of Openness to New Experiences

The novel suggests that change is necessary and important not just for people but also for countries. When the characters commit to expanding their mindset and welcoming change, they improve as people and improve their lives. Characters who limit themselves—either through prejudice or a refusal to experience discomfort—do not see the same positive effects.

Captain Whitfield welcomes Manjiro into his life, even viewing him as a son, and then changes his life upon returning to America to support Manjiro. This change is for the best of everyone, but especially Manjiro. The narrator notes, “Like a character from a fairy tale, Manjiro found himself transformed from a poor fisherman into a prince” (129). If Whitfield had been less willing to change, Manjiro’s opportunities—and the opportunity for America and Japan to interact—would have been limited. The novel suggests that one person’s willingness to grow and adapt can lead to greater consequences down the road. The willingness of a 14-year-old boy to experience new things can change the world.

Many characters refuse to change, however. Jolly refuses to listen when other characters, like Captain Whitfield, tell him to change his prejudiced attitudes. When he reappears, he is described as being weaker: “The man’s back was not so broad, nor his shoulders so powerful as Manjiro remembered; his golden curls were flecked with silver” (194). Jolly’s refusal to change his mind is expressed in the decay of his body. The novel argues that change is necessary for improvement, particularly change that brings one away from harmful patterns of thought and behavior.

The individuals are microcosms of their respective nations—the novel shows the need for the two countries to change and grow, too. Just as individuals are shown to be prejudiced, the scene involving his church proves institutions can be prejudiced as well, leading Mrs. Whitfield to ask, “[A]re you going to get up and help the world change—starting with our religious institutions?” (140). After this, Manjiro reflects on Japan’s need to modernize and decides he wants to play a part in that change. Only internal change can bring that about, however. The Whitfields’ resistance to racism brings about greater acceptance in their community. Manjiro’s determination to stand up for himself when he returns home brings change to Japan.

Self-Actualization Through Connection with Nature

Manjiro is shaped by encounters with natural phenomena, mostly animals. Whether whales, albatrosses, snails, or sea turtles, each animal challenges Manjiro to view the world more comprehensively and examine his place in it. While Manjiro must be courageous throughout the novel, nature supplies occasions for him both to test himself and to understand his place in the broader web of life. The novel suggests that nature can help humans appreciate their value and the value of other creatures when they become aware of their place in nature.

Manjiro is a whaler, but he is horrified by the waste and violence of the whaling industry. He attributes this to being a Buddhist, as he was taught every life is valuable. The novel uses whaling to ground Manjiro in his beliefs. Although he takes part in the industry, he never fully accustoms himself to the danger and waste of its practices. Indeed, as he harpoons a whale, he realizes that “[h]e wanted—needed—to go home” (227). Through this experience of humanity wreaking havoc on nature, Manjiro can realize things about himself more clearly than before.

Similarly, the snail illustrates that humans are not as disconnected from nature as the whalers believe. After watching the snail trace the shadow of his face, Manjiro realizes, “Like the snail, I have no idea of all that lies beyond” (20). He comes to similar realizations when interacting with the sea turtle and the horse, Duffy. Each time Manjiro encounters an animal, it pushes him to a new realization about where he needs to go. Nature gives him the courage and strength to pursue new paths toward self-actualization.

The novel also interrogates humanity’s place in nature. Manjiro is not external to nature; he is part of it. While other characters disparage nature or regard it as nothing but a tool, Manjiro, who relied on fish for survival for much of his life, understands his place in it. This clarity helps him self-actualize in ways other characters cannot. Just as he is both Japanese and American, Manjiro comes to see himself as part of both the human and natural communities. He develops a holistic view of life and a strong but accepting personality that allow him to bridge cultures and species.