Estrangement in the Wake of Japanese Internment in Obasan by Joy Kogawa and No-No Boy by John Okada

Abstract

This thesis deals with the depiction of the consequences related to the internment of Japanese Americans and Japanese Canadians in John Okada's No-No Boy and Joy Kogawa's Obasan. The initial part of the paper outlines the events that gave rise to the internment during the World War II. These basics are elaborated on in connection with both analysed novels as the issue of estrangement from one's family and social group due to intergenerational conflicts and racism is given precedence. The main focus is on the possibility of portraying the past objectively, predominantly utilizing Hayden White's ideas and terminology. The subsequent analysis shows how both novels shaped today's perception of the internment.