Heart of a Samurai

While Manjiro changes significantly due to his experiences in America and at sea, other characters change as well. Choose one character and analyze their development throughout; how are they affected by Manjiro and the culture he presents?

How does the novel depict whaling? Do the descriptions present whaling as positive, negative, or both? Consider the historical note at the end of the novel when writing your response.

Manjiro learns English throughout the novel, eventually becoming a translator. However, no characters learn Japanese. What does this fact show about the American characters, and how does it shape the novel’s themes?

Manjiro is critical of Japan’s isolation. How would the novel differ if it had portrayed a character in favor of Japan’s isolationist policy? Explain your reasoning.

How does William Henry’s death affect the trajectory of the story? How does it fit into the narrative structure? How does it change Manjiro?

The novel is aimed at middle-grade readers. How might it differ if it were intended for different audiences? What would change about the novel’s style or structure? Include references to the story’s real-life events in your response.

Manjiro claims that if he were a samurai, he would follow bushido, the code of ideal behavior. Research bushido: does Manjiro act in ways that demonstrate he is living according to this code?

Discuss how the spirit of adventure affects the different characters in the novel. How does it separately affect Manjiro, Whitfield, and Terry? Does it always have a positive effect?