Joy Kogawa Character Analysis
Joy Kogawa: Characteristics of a Positive Lifestyle
Finding one’s identity can be a strenuous task, seemingly impossible at times in a world where many people live dependently on others. Joy Kogawa, a proud Japanese Canadian and the author of the award winning novel Obasan and its bestselling sequel Emily Kato (formerly Itsuka), is no stranger to the constant search for identity and individuality that so many people across the globe find themselves struggling to obtain. The reader witnesses her constant strain to develop confidence and to find the courage to voice her opinions to others throughout her two semi-autobiographical novels. Using writing as a gateway to her memories, Kogawa paints vivid illustrations of the ruthless prejudices she …show more content…
It is not until change forces its way into her life and she joins the redress committee in their ongoing fight for Japanese Canadian rights that Naomi begins to develop the character traits she envied in others for so long. Kogawa’s personality directly reflects upon that of Naomi’s, specifically through her pursuit of validation, her devotion to family, and her constant desire for justice.
Joy Kogawa is an award winning author whose first novel quickly became required reading in many Canadian schools, but unlike many writers she is not confident in her works. During a presentation at the University of British Colombia, Kogawa reveals that her illustrated short story, Naomi’s Road, was not originally published as it can be found today. Unsure of what was required for the story while writing, Kogawa felt uncomfortable with the result. She decided to revisit the story and completely rewrite it, only to later question whether the original version had been better after all. Her uncertainty, she says, “[…] is one of the reasons it got rewritten, […] because I’m a person of too much doubt.” (An Evening with Acclaimed Canadian
Finding one’s identity can be a strenuous task, seemingly impossible at times in a world where many people live dependently on others. Joy Kogawa, a proud Japanese Canadian and the author of the award winning novel Obasan and its bestselling sequel Emily Kato (formerly Itsuka), is no stranger to the constant search for identity and individuality that so many people across the globe find themselves struggling to obtain. The reader witnesses her constant strain to develop confidence and to find the courage to voice her opinions to others throughout her two semi-autobiographical novels. Using writing as a gateway to her memories, Kogawa paints vivid illustrations of the ruthless prejudices she …show more content…
It is not until change forces its way into her life and she joins the redress committee in their ongoing fight for Japanese Canadian rights that Naomi begins to develop the character traits she envied in others for so long. Kogawa’s personality directly reflects upon that of Naomi’s, specifically through her pursuit of validation, her devotion to family, and her constant desire for justice.
Joy Kogawa is an award winning author whose first novel quickly became required reading in many Canadian schools, but unlike many writers she is not confident in her works. During a presentation at the University of British Colombia, Kogawa reveals that her illustrated short story, Naomi’s Road, was not originally published as it can be found today. Unsure of what was required for the story while writing, Kogawa felt uncomfortable with the result. She decided to revisit the story and completely rewrite it, only to later question whether the original version had been better after all. Her uncertainty, she says, “[…] is one of the reasons it got rewritten, […] because I’m a person of too much doubt.” (An Evening with Acclaimed Canadian