Hate is a word people use almost everyday. They hate getting out of bed, hate going to work, hate people. In today's world, it seems to be that hate has become more prominent than love. Hateful relationships have become so normalized in society, that people do not even think twice when they see or hear about them. As much as people try not to acknowledge it, hateful relationships are an important part of who we are, as are all relationships in a person’s life. The relationships one has in their life can change them and mold them into who they are. In the novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford, a common theme that occurs in the novel is that relationships shape a person into who they are.
The first relationship that shapes the main character, Henry, is the relationship between Henry and his father. Henry grows up during the war years of World War II, this brings many struggles to the country and his family. When Henry is twelve years old his father slaps his face and says to him “No more. Only speak you American” (24). As a result of this, a language barrier is created when Henry’s father forbids Henry from speaking native language, Cantonese, in their home. Not being able to speak to his father causes begins to sever their relationship. Japanese bombers have been bombing cities in China, which causes Henry’s father to hate the Japanese more than he already does. Henry does not share the same opinion about the Japanese, he holds no grudges or hatred towards them. His father finds out about his relationship with a Japanese family, Henry is completely disowned by his father. This situation almost causes him to abandon the relationship Henry has with his father. The second relationship that makes Henry into who he is today, is his relationship with his son, Marty. Henry and Marty unmistakably have a better relationship than Henry and his father, but it is assuredly not perfect. Lots of arguments occur, mostly centering on how to care for Henry’s wife, Ethel, in the final years of her life. Both express different opinions on how to best take care of Ethel, and make her as comfortable as possible during the final years of her life. This altercation among others causes them to drift apart. Marty knows that Henry had a rocky childhood, but he was curious. He knew his father was interested in jazz as a child “But that was all Marty knew of his father’s childhood… and Henry rarely shares” (39). An event that brings the father and son back together is when Marty brings his fiancé, Samantha, home to meet Henry. Samantha is not Chinese, she is white. Now that Marty knows that Henry grew up being told to marry someone of the same nationality, he was hesitant to bring her to meet his …show more content…
Henry’s connection with his father has a drastic effect on the man he is today. Having grown up surrounded by discrimination and hatred causes Henry to be more accepting of other people and their views. Because he has had no choice but to hide major parts of himself and his life as a child, he tends to be closed off about himself, his views, and his past. His relationship with his father motivates him to be a better father to his son. That imperfect family is what leads him to this point in his life. Henry notes that “perfection isn't what families are all about” (146). That father son bond is undoubtedly important to Henry, even though he is not the best at showing it. Being a father causes Henry to take control and care for others, not just himself. The relationship between Henry and his son builds him and changes him for the better. He strives to shape himself into the best version of himself he can be for his son’s sake. The relationship that has a lasting effect on Henry’s life is his relationship with Keiko. She is the first person Henry loves, she teaches him how to love. It shows him how to fight for what he wants, no matter the cost. Having his girl and relationship brings out the kind and compassionate side of his personality. All of these relationships have a drastic effect on the way he lives his life
The first relationship that shapes the main character, Henry, is the relationship between Henry and his father. Henry grows up during the war years of World War II, this brings many struggles to the country and his family. When Henry is twelve years old his father slaps his face and says to him “No more. Only speak you American” (24). As a result of this, a language barrier is created when Henry’s father forbids Henry from speaking native language, Cantonese, in their home. Not being able to speak to his father causes begins to sever their relationship. Japanese bombers have been bombing cities in China, which causes Henry’s father to hate the Japanese more than he already does. Henry does not share the same opinion about the Japanese, he holds no grudges or hatred towards them. His father finds out about his relationship with a Japanese family, Henry is completely disowned by his father. This situation almost causes him to abandon the relationship Henry has with his father. The second relationship that makes Henry into who he is today, is his relationship with his son, Marty. Henry and Marty unmistakably have a better relationship than Henry and his father, but it is assuredly not perfect. Lots of arguments occur, mostly centering on how to care for Henry’s wife, Ethel, in the final years of her life. Both express different opinions on how to best take care of Ethel, and make her as comfortable as possible during the final years of her life. This altercation among others causes them to drift apart. Marty knows that Henry had a rocky childhood, but he was curious. He knew his father was interested in jazz as a child “But that was all Marty knew of his father’s childhood… and Henry rarely shares” (39). An event that brings the father and son back together is when Marty brings his fiancé, Samantha, home to meet Henry. Samantha is not Chinese, she is white. Now that Marty knows that Henry grew up being told to marry someone of the same nationality, he was hesitant to bring her to meet his …show more content…
Henry’s connection with his father has a drastic effect on the man he is today. Having grown up surrounded by discrimination and hatred causes Henry to be more accepting of other people and their views. Because he has had no choice but to hide major parts of himself and his life as a child, he tends to be closed off about himself, his views, and his past. His relationship with his father motivates him to be a better father to his son. That imperfect family is what leads him to this point in his life. Henry notes that “perfection isn't what families are all about” (146). That father son bond is undoubtedly important to Henry, even though he is not the best at showing it. Being a father causes Henry to take control and care for others, not just himself. The relationship between Henry and his son builds him and changes him for the better. He strives to shape himself into the best version of himself he can be for his son’s sake. The relationship that has a lasting effect on Henry’s life is his relationship with Keiko. She is the first person Henry loves, she teaches him how to love. It shows him how to fight for what he wants, no matter the cost. Having his girl and relationship brings out the kind and compassionate side of his personality. All of these relationships have a drastic effect on the way he lives his life