Picture Bride

Why does Mary leave her family? Is her decision just or unjust? Your response should address the personal and/or socio-cultural factors that influenced her decision-making.

How does Kenji Nishima develop during the novel? What role does Hana have in his change?

While Picture Bride focuses on the Takeda family, the novel features a large cast of supporting characters. Why do you think Uchida chose to include a large number of secondary and tertiary characters? How does this contribute to her overall purpose for writing the novel?

Throughout the novel, Taro displays a consistent love for America and American values. Does he put too much faith in America? Explain your answer.

Uchida includes biblical allusions throughout the novel. For example, Mary Takeda and Joseph Cantelli allude to the biblical Mary and Joseph. Why does Uchida include biblical allusions in Picture Bride? How do these allusions contribute to or expand the novel’s author’s purpose?

Compare and contrast Hana and Mary. What characteristics do they share? How do their perceptions of American identity coincide with or contradict each other?

After moving to America, Hana consistently reflects on her life in Japan. “What kind of woman would she have been in her native land,” she asks herself on page 120, “Would she have been different? More the self she really was?” How do you think Hana’s life would have differed if she had never emigrated to America? Do you think Hana regrets her decision to emigrate? Use evidence from the novel to support your response.

How does masculinity influence the decision-making of the novel’s male characters? Your response should explain how gender norms influence at least two different male characters in Picture Bride.