Heart of a Samurai

“Everybody knew about the foreign devils—the barbarians. Did they really exist, Manjiro wondered, or were they just the inventions of adults to get children to behave? Even he had told his younger sisters, ‘Go to sleep—or the barbarians will come and get you!’”

This quote introduces the main conflict of the story—the Japanese view Westerners as monstrous, and Manjiro will soon find that some Westerners look at Japan the same way. As he is a boy, Manjiro’s perspective is simplified and childish. This quote shows his youth and inexperience, as he views outsiders as capable only of evil. This passage sets up Manjiro’s character development. He will learn that the real monstrosity people are capable of is quieter and more insidious.

“My father told me that a person should always put his heart in order before falling asleep. Then he will be unencumbered by fear.”

Manjiro’s courage drives many of his choices. His goal to put his heart in order, however, is more complex than his 14-year-old self assumes; while Manjiro spends the rest of the book unencumbered by fear, the emotions he experiences often overwhelm him. Manjiro turns to father figures such as Whitfield in these situations. Appropriately, then, Manjiro’s father is mentioned here as the provider of a mantra that gives Manjiro strength.

“It is good to be respectful, but it would be well if you would stop that incessant bowing!’”

Captain Whitfield attempts to show Manjiro that they are equals, yet the statement also shows that Whitfield views his cultural traditions as superior to Manjiro’s. Manjiro follows Whitfield’s request, giving up part of his culture in the process. The situation is complicated, but Whitfield’s view of Manjiro’s bow as an annoyance rather than courtesy limits the possibility of cultural exchange.