Barefoot Gen Sparknotes

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Keji Nakazawa’s graphic narrative Barefoot Gen illustrates a nation ruled by imperialism. The author demonstrates this by the Nakaoka family who suffers greatly under the Imperial Japanese army. The army is controlled by the Emperor who rules as a dictator. In the narrative Nakazawa’s use of feet symbolizes the oppressive rule of the Emperor in Japan. Specifically, the two covered feet crushing the wheat exemplifies the strength of the wheat in being strong and tall. While the characteristics of the feet covered show the strength needed to destroy the wheat.The intention of this essay is to prove the wheat is strong and tall like the Japanese civilians, while on the other hand the covered feet represent the oppression of the Emperor. In addition, Barefoot Gen is a graphic narrative centred on …show more content…
Furthermore, the mistreatment of the Father of the Nakaoka family by police all because of the chairmen’s revenge (Pg,50) ( Panel 7). This scene shows how in just the imperial dictatorship in japan is against men like the father of the Nakaoka family. In addition, to the name calling of the Nakaoka family they are given excuses from the food distributor about running out of rice ( Pg,50) (Panel 7). The lies of food distributor relates with the lies and deceit of the Emperor to Japan as a whole. The idea of feet against wheat is an on going topic throughout the narrative. The reason it is painted in such a light was that the author wanted the readers to focus more on the imagery rather than speech in the Manga. Moreover i perceived the conflict as struggle in the quest of emperor gaining his influence towards the Japanese civilians. In reference to this dilemma the author demonstrates this by expanding on the message of imperialism when Gen speaks his mind in class and is beat by his teacher for defying the Emperor (Pg.53) (Panel 1). This authoritative figure is shaping the children in such a matter. Once again the emperor use of

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