Nisei Daughter

Discuss Sone’s portrayal of Japanese etiquette. Pay close attention to her language and tone of voice in your answer.

Would you describe Nisei Daughter as a coming-of-age memoir? Give reasons for your answer.

What are the similarities and differences between the Issei and Nisei generations’ experience of life in America?

How does Sone show that having both Japanese and American cultural influences is particularly challenging for girls and women?

Discuss Sone’s portrayal of the Japanese community’s resilience and adaptability. How does she show that particular aspects of Japanese culture are well suited to life in America?

Discuss the recurring theme of Sone’s faith in America and its founding values. With close reference to the text, state why you think Sone wanted to emphasize her Americanness.

Discuss Sone’s depiction of the prejudice faced by the Japanese community. What different forms does this take and how does Sone process it in her narrative?

Sone’s memoir has become a seminal text in Asian American studies. What challenges might modern readers who seek to understand the Asian American experience through Sone’s memoir face? You should refer closely to the text in your answer.