Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Doc Hata in Chang-rae Lee's A Gesture Life. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 10 page essay focuses on the characterization of Franklin "Doc" Hata in Chang-rae Lee's novel A Gesture Life. The writer describes the nature of this psychological complex narrative. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KL9_khdochata.doc
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
to blend and comply with the cultural expectations of his surroundings. This examination Lees characterization of Doc Hata reveals the profound effect that his problems with identity had on his
behavior throughout his life. Two main storylines drive the novels narrative. One is Doc Hatas drive to find social acceptance and belonging in his life as a culturally assimilated Japanese
American and the other storyline consists of flashbacks from his past, which juxtapose his experiences as a Japanese paramedic soldier in charge of comfort women with his experiences as a
parent raising a daughter, who is half Korean, half African American. Examination of the novel reveals that Hatas concern with national identity and belonging is the common thread that underscores
his entire life. An article by Yoshiko Nozaki concerning the Korean "comfort women" points out that the Japanese government refused to acknowledge that the comfort women system was instigated
by the Japanese military occupying Korea during World War II and that the participation of women in this system was coerced, rather than voluntary. Research has revealed that between "fifty
thousand and two hundred thousand women were enslaved to provide sexual service to Japanese officers and soldiers" (Nozaki). Nevertheless, some Japanese groups, such as the neo-nationalists, undermine this research and
endeavor to keep the comfort women debate controversial by providing arguments that call into question whether or not the comfort women system actually existed and by denying the accuracy of
specific terms and focusing on minor details in the womens testimonies that cannot be verified (Nozaki). In doing so, they call into question the legitimacy of survivors as credible witnesses.
Similarly, Lees depiction of Hata calls into question his reliability in regards to his participation and role within the comfort women system. Furthermore, Hatas assertions about his status in
...