Chapter 9, The Mess Hall Bells Summary and Analysis

The most disturbing and disgraceful situation for most men held at Manzanar is the charge of disloyalty. They are held in Manzanar because, as Japanese, their loyalty is questionable. They are forced to face the fact that they are vulnerable, with no power over their lives. They have no rights, no home, and no control over their lives. This emasculation, the congestion, and the wind festers in the souls of the men in the camp.

For Jeanne's Papa, his life at Fort Lincoln and life at Manzanar is extreme suffering. To be charged with disloyalty is the greatest disgrace. He is forced to face his susceptibility, his helplessness. Life at Manzanar deprives him of his rights, his home, and his control over his life. All the men at Manzanar suffer this emasculation. Some...