Chapter 41 Summary

At noontime everyone assembles in the auditorium to hear the important announcement. The ceremony begins with the singing of the national anthem, which is playing through the audio speakers. As the anthem ends, the Emperor's voice carries through the speakers throughout the auditorium. The Emperor tells those assembled that the Japanese government has accepted and agreed to the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration. H knows that the war is finally over. Reaction to the Emperor's words is mixed. Some are crying, while some are silent, and some are in denial and want to continue fighting.

Groups of students and instructors are standing around talking about the Emperor's announcement. In one group, the instructor is saying that America is not a savage country, as the Japanese people believe. He goes on to say that the American forces might behave in a more civilized way...