Chapter 5, Almost a Family Summary and Analysis

Life in close quarters, with little ability to maintain family life, begins the separation of families in Manzanar. They no longer eat together, or spend time together. The family is drawn apart due to the effects of the small units and the required public eating.

The disintegration of the Wakatsuki family begins early. Before Manzanar, they had a large dining table. Around this table the family would gather for noisy family gatherings. In Manzanar the mess halls separate the family. It is too hard for Granny to walk across the compound three times a day to get her meals, so she has them brought to her. The older brothers and sisters join their friends for meals, often at other mess halls. Others shop around between the mess halls, looking for better food. Some younger boys...