On p. 69 when Hersey says that "the bomb had not only left underground organs of plants intact; it has stimulated them." What is interesting is that despite the atomic bomb's horrifying power, it can still not overcome nature. It is surprising that something that causes whirlwinds, contaminates water, tears down trees, building and destroy humans without physical damage, is unable to destroy nature. This tells us that no matter what human make or do, they will never overcome the power of nature. Even after atrocity of great power is committed and humans die, nature is still able to stand it's ground while humans are being destroyed. When humans destroy each other, nature still flourishes. Ironically, instead of destroying the plants it stimulates growth. As Albert Einstein once said, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
It is also interesting to note the sense of community after the bomb. Not only does Dr. Sasaki work selflessly and with borrowed glasses but Dr. Fujii also started treating patients.
However, it is disturbing to see how many died of the after effects of either radiation of symptoms of Radiation Sickness. Many of the survivors died of from Radiation rather than the initial blast itself as also seen in previous chapters.
Ironically, after Japan surrendered the first thing the Japanese and Allies did was to scientifically and medically investigate the effects of the bomb rather than treating the patients. This clearly shows how the US merely used the innocent civilians in Hiroshima as "lab rats" in an "experiment". Instead of providing aid and treatment, the Hibakusha were left with nothing. Not only does the public shy away from these "survivors" as almost beasts. This clearly shows a kind of dehumanization and segregation within the Japanese community. Personally, I believe they were not willing to face the ugly truth and reality. Additionally the fact that they say "Shikata ga nai" meaning there's nothing to do about is also rather interesting. Not only do they quasi "accept" their situation as a segregated "type" of people but also see themselves merely as "unlucky" people and that it was "fate".
Nevertheless, there was definitely understandable hatred the Japanese had towards the Americans. This shows how their nationalism still perseveres in a sense. Even when the bomb dropped, school children sang the national anthem to their deaths. This shows Japanese nationalism and community spirit. They were not individuals but rather a huge community. The fact that they started to accept their fate is also undoubtedly similar to the novel "Night" when Jews started to accept their fate. I think this may have been caused by prolonged dehumanization that they stopped believing.
In chapter 4, Hershy lets us fully understand the true effects of the atomic bomb. The radiation sickness caused by the atomic bomb were only understood after what heppened to the citizens of Hiroshima, as no other human was exposed to the radiation before. The enormous heat generated at the atomic bomb's centerwas capable to melt the surface of granite thousands of yards away. The flash generated by the bomb was so bright, notes Hersey, that it left shadows of buildings and even human outlines imprinted on walls.
In chapter 4, Hersey writes about the effects of the bomb. Those affected by radiation sickness. It's interesting that people who are affected can't seem to act the same as they used to. As if the bomb took all the life out of them. They also suffer from wounds which never heal, which in a way, may symbolize the affect the bomb had on people's lives. I'm also amazed at the power of the atomic bomb. It was so powerful it affected places miles away, and even the flash was powerful enough to leave shadows. And yet, in a very odd way, the bomb brought these people together.
P.72 “The experts found, for instance, a permanent shadow thrown on the roof of the Chamber of Commerce Building...” The power of the atomic bomb is quite incomprehensible. A force this great to create a permanent shadow is quite out of perspective. The power of the bomb could kill hundred thousand people and yet the survivors cannot recognized that it was an atomic bomb but of something else. Are they justing being ignorant or do they truly not know?
Now comes the side affect of the atomic bomb. In this chapter, Hersey describes with details how radiation of the bomb infects Ms. Nakamura, Father Kleinsorge and Mr. Tanimoto.
I think the main difference between Hiroshima and Night is that in Night, they have to kill the Jews with a lot of people. But in Hiroshima, one single atomic bomb can cause the tragedy.
As the title of the chapter " Panic Grass and Feverfew ", Hersey shows that the bomb has greatly increased the vegetation. Now the city has an appearence of vivid, lush. Nature takes over where civilization were destroyed.
At the end of the chapter four, all the main characters begin to resume some sort of a normal life.
Why do you think this chapter was named “Panic Grass and Feverfews”?
Panic grasses are a weed-like grass that looks a little like cattail. Feverfews are daisy-like plants that grow in many areas. Feverfews are used as medicine for anything from cold to fever. I think the author picked these interesting plants for the title to show hope and medical care for the victims of Hiroshima. The names of these grasses seem to fit well with the topic. The grasses symbolizes hope and renewing of Hiroshima.
On page 89, Hersey emphasized the victims’ resigned attitude, Mrs. Nakamura says, “Shikata ga nai,” or “It can’t be helped.” Dr Fujii also said something of the like.
In class we learned of Japanese nationalism, and of how it held the Japanese people together under totalitarian rule and harsh war. Why, only a few months after the bomb and the surrender, would they lose that feeling of indignant national pride? Also, on page 74, “As soon as the [reassurance of no radiation harm in Hiroshima] reached the household in which Mrs. Nakamura was concealing herself, her whole family relaxed their extreme hatred of America.” Just that? They feel sudden hatred from the prohibition of Hiroshima, and after the ban was lifted, they’re fine and happy again? I don’t think it makes sense; what nationalism is Hersey trying to show here?
In chapter 4, the disease gradually came out, which made a lot of rumors and destructions in the novel. It affected people’s mind and their health importantly, which the fear toward their own condition and environment more and more. So the hopelessness comes out more. I found out that the more we read the idea of fear, terror, and hopelessness have increasingly comes realistic and further. Heresy explained the situation of the sickness, like in page 74 it says, “When Father Kleinsorge arrived at the hospital, he was terribly pale and very shaky.” He made the sickness more and more realistic. Also on the same page 74, “He’ll die. All these bomb people die--- you’ll see. They go along for a couple of weeks and then they will die.” Why does he say that? Does he already know that they are going to die? Or is he just lost his hope? What is the significance? Also in this chapter I discovered that some people are treated differently. For example, when Father Kleinsorge was carried to the hospital, he was been feed with some eggs or beef and also some vitamins. Even though he’s been forced but he still got a better medical care, unlike Mrs. Nakamura. She was too poor to see the doctor, so she doesn’t have any medical cares, including her children too.
“Up to this time, Mrs. Nakamura and her relatives had been quite resigned and passive about the moral issue of the atomic bomb, but this rumor suddenly aroused them to more hatred and resentment of America than they had felt all through the war.” (Hersey 72) This quote shows two aspects of the Japanese people that are seen throughout the book. I thought the first part of this quote showed that the Japanese were not people who kept track of who had hurt them. They forgive even if what was done to them was immoral. The passage also reveals the power of rumors in the Japanese society. A small rumor can lead to feelings of hatred that can spread easily as the Japanese culture has a strong sense of community. I thought it also showed that in a war civilians are not informed of all the things that are happening. This causes more suffering of the mind among the civilians, like how the atomic bomb was dropped and the civilians suffered without even knowing what really had hit them.
In chapter four, the symptons from the radiation of the are beginning to show. Mrs. Nakamura began to lose hair, while Miss Sasaki had a extremely low white blood cell count. At first it had seemed like Miss Sasaki wasn't going to live, but then Father Kleinsorge went to visit her. At first she resented him because she said if there were a God, people wouldn't be suffering. Slowly, she seemed to understand Father Kleinsorge's explanation, and her health improved. And as soon as she got out of the hospital, she became a Catholic. I think religion was something that Miss Sasaki really needed. It helped her have faith and hope, or else she would have already given up.
"In thinking of their experience of that time Dr. Hiraiwa repeated, "what a fortunate that we are Japanese! It was my first time I ever tasted such a beautiful spirit when I decided to die for our Emperor." (page 88) This quote showed the Japanese culture, how they thinking sacrificing their life is honorable. Japanese think the tenno is a god, so they adore him like a god. They are willing to do anything for him, buy just saying banzai it satisfies them
In chapter four, we learn that the bomb have given people radiation sickness. Ms. Nakamura began to lose hair, Father Kleinsorge’s wounds “opened wider and were swollen and inflamed.” Mr. Tanimoto also fell ill suddenly with a general malaise. I think this shows that the bomb doesn’t just kill people instantly, it also gives people weird diseases. Ironically, when Miss Sasaki was carried through the city’s street, she saw that the bomb had not only “left the underground organs of the plants intact; it had stimulated them.” I think this really surprised me, how did the plants survive the devastating bomb when most of the human beings died? I think Miss Sasaki might have hallucinated that scene or it shows how nature cannot be destroyed. When people are bombing each other, nature survives the awful situation. The bomb also stimulated the plants to grow. I think this may be a result of the radiation from the bomb. I find the part when Miss Sasaki asked, “If your God is so good and kind, how can he let people suffer like this,” similar to when Elie questioned God in Night. I think both Elie and Sasaki are both frustrated that they were being dehumanized, so they wanted to find an answer through religion. When people are struggling with life, they often question others to find an answer to their problems.
The largest part of chapter 4 talks about the horrifying effects of radiation sickness. Father Kleinsorge and Miss Sasaki have wounds that won’t heal; Mrs. Nakamura and her children have lost their hair and suffer from diarrhea; Reverend Tanimoto, Father Kleinsorge, and Dr. Sasaki suffer from weakness and a loss of energy. Miss Sasaki has a deep depression that is keeping her from healing. The lack of medical supplies, doctors, and nurses, and the medical inexperience with radiation sickness also contribute to the problem. They try to rebuild homes and churches, try to feed and clothe children. At the end of chapter 4, Hersey questions the readers weather the bomb should have been dropped. He gives the readers three view points letting the readers draw their conclusions. Some people suggested a community spirit and traditional attitude of dying with honor for the Emperor are positive results of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. On the other hand, many Hiroshima’s citizens hate Americans and feel they should be tried as war criminals and hanged. Which view point would you choose if you were a citizen in Hioshima?
How is Toshio able to put the bomb behind himself so quickly? After all, he had a lot of nightmares about his hero dying in the bombing, but later he wrote a very plain, straightforward essay about it-and that kinda scares me. Has he really forgotten the terror?
Chuni: Yes, it's interesting. However, perhaps this is only temporary-the plants may later wither from radiation. However, it is nice to see how nature can conquer man's own evil.
The fact that these people all lived was, for me, miraculous. After being near the site where an atomic bomb was hit, suffering from lack of medication and enduring all that radiation, and they were still able to live? This for me was alittle unrealistic. Maybe it was all his mind, then we can't comment on his imagination. But what if it was all real? That would mean these people survived against odds maybe less than 10% again them. Were they just lucky? Or was this part of his imagination? This is my question.
In Chapter 4, it showed that the nightmare hasnt ended. That there was a forever lasting effect on them. Not only did the bomb bring upon physical damage but it also caused disease. Not only do the Japanese people have to worry about their sickness but the weather gets extremely bad. Also in Chapter 4 it shows how much the bomb has changed their lives. All the victims have to rebuild their lives. They have to start from scratch. The bomb completely took away their lives.
The atomic bomb let loose in Hiroshima was so powerful that even miles away from the spot, people were affected. However the bomb not only caused an explosion and force, it also sent a wave of mutating radiation across the area. The wave deformed many people and the intense heat scarred them physically for life. However the bomb's purpose didn't seem to be just for Japan's surrender. It seemed like a test for each individual and their characteristics. It brought out the evil in some people and in others, the good. Some people put their lives on the line to help others in danger. Some decided to help with as little as possible or to not help at all.
In the chp there's lots of places were there was a wound and it never heals, was it because of the radiation, but the flower grow better with the radiation. So i think it was kind of funny how that happend
"...her whole family relaxed their extreme hatred of America, and Mrs. Nakamura sent her brother-in-law to look for the sewing machine. It was still submerged in the water tank, and when he brought it home, she saw, to her dismay, that it was all rusted and useless" (74). By adding these lines, I think John Hersey is trying to say that Mrs. Nakamura's life is no longer in the panic-stricken state of right after the bomb. Mrs. Nakamura had thrown it away supposing she wouldn't need it anymore - and now she's taking it back. She's starting to consider the past-life's practicalities. I also suppose her hair has something to do with it. The falling-out was the main sign of the radiation effect on her. Since her hair grew back, she probably feels a little more normal.
Doris: Hersey might be trying to say that they have accepted the bombing as part of life. The Nakamuras had all been feeling better. They might've thought: "It happened, and as long as it doesn't affect me in the future, I'm okay with it." The Nakamuras hated the Americans because they thought that the Americans would have crippled them for life. But now that they think everything's going to be all right, they're somewhat accepted the bombing.
In chapter four we learn about the after affects of the atomic bombs radiation. Hersey describes radiation sickness and what happens to people who get it. The sickness killed a great number of people in Hiroshima. Some characters start to go back to living in normal lives again, and get used to the mess around them. And some Japanese are starting to feel hatred toward the Americans. I think that they're shock from the atomic bomb is starting to turn into hatred.
Linghy: I think even though most people died, there were still chances for some people to live. =) so it's just that they are lucky to still be alive.
Adam: I am not sure why Hersey chose to name this chapter Panic Grass and Feverfew, but since panic grass is a weed, i suppose it grows out of anywhere. Meaning that the Japanese are going to stand back up no matter how bad the environment is, and since feverfew is used in some medicine, perhaps it is related to medical care helping fellow Japanese to be guided back into their on-track lives? :D yeah.
&&I agree how this chapter is all about Hersey showing us how much the bomb affected the 6 characters' lives. :D
In this chapter, we see the long-term effects of the bomb. Before, we saw the instant effects of the bomb. We saw how it wrecked homes, how it killed people instantly, how it caused burns and physical pain to its victims. We saw broken bones and vomiting as well. These are all instant effects. The long term effects that we are seeing now are effects of the radiation sickness, such as continued digestive problems and also problems with wounds that are seemingly healthy one day and quite serious the next. This shows just how horrible the bomb really was. When we think of bombs, we probably think of just things being blown up. We don't think of it affecting the rest of someone's life, like it did to the victims of the bombing at Hiroshima. I thought it was appalling how the United States could have used other human beings as guinea pigs for such a project; they proceeded with no consideration for the Japanese people.
We also see more selfless acts from the survivors that are able to help. Tanimoto continues to help people, no matter how mutilated they are; their skin can be falling off, but Tanimoto will still ferry them to safety. Tanimoto also tries to get aid from other places, but is unsuccessful. Dr. Sasaki also helps many people. He works tirelessly to help the wounded that are swarming the hospital, and he sacrifices his own sleep to help them.
In this chapter many intresting things happenned such as, the victims reactions showed the Japanese nationalism, the USA's cruelity to think of the Japanese as lab rats and the side effect of the bomb how it increase vegitation.
Unlike the Jewish people the survivors even after the tragety still believe in their emperor, god. The Jewish people had stopped believe in god when they had been tortured. this really shows the difference between the two cultures and the Japanese nationalism.
Why did the USA drop the atomic bomb? I don't think stopping war was the USA's sole purpose, I this chapter it clearly shows that the USA wanted to see the effect of the bomb. The USA probably wanted to see the result of the explosion in a real situation.
"killing" isn't the only effect of the Atomic bomb. the atomic bomb didn't only kill humans it also ironically gave life to nature. It seemed that in exchange for killing and destroying life is giving life. in exchange for the people killed the plant lived. It seem ironic that so much "things" that arn't neccesary bad comes out as result of these acts of evil. It's similiar with the holocaust, millions of people killed however from the tests the nazis gained from using jews as lab rats resulted great amount of medical knowledge which saved also a large population of people today.
It is really ironic in how many of the citizens of Japan believed in the Emperor and were willing to sacrifice their lives for him. The Americans were also ironic because they didn’t want the Japanese to find out how the bomb was built or worked. They later sent forces to stop the Japanese from finding out more then what the Americans wanted them to know. The Japanese were very accurate in their count for the casualties and building destroyed. In the end of the chapter, different characters had different opinions about the usage of the bomb. Some said that the inventors of the bomb should be hanged and sentenced to death. Others like the Fathers believed that this was part of war, and in war, many died. They also mentioned that the bomb was an effective warning to Japan to stop the war, bloodshed and save Japan from total destruction.
Hersey, on page 69, writes..."the bomb had not only left underground organs of plants intact; it has stimulated them." The plants, after the atomic explosion, blossom and flourish, growing rapidly. Amidst all this disaster and death, there is life. There is life actually growing in a rapid pace, faster than ever before. it is such irony that gives humor to the ordeal of the atomic bomb.
I think this is another down low point in this book - it is about a year after the bomb detonated in Hiroshima, and so many people are still suffering, still dying. However, things are picking back up - stores and hospitals are reopening, and Mrs. Nakamura is retrieving bits of her old life, although she knows it will never be the same. (This is most seen in Miss Sasaki's story, she will be crippled for the rest of her life). And they're very fragile, cannot work as much as they used to, and have to rest for periods of time. What really stinks though, is how all the survivors (although they dont call themselves that)has been through so much and survived it, and now they're dying of the radiation, the monster within them. This chapter spends a great deal of paper explaining the theories of the Japanese doctors about the radiation, and everything that happened in detail generally. The plants were rather interesting - I somewhat saw them symbolising the Japanese themselves - that even though they've been through this much, they've 'relaxed their hate of the Americans', and stood back up again, learning to live with all the mishaps of the bomb's effects. Although Chuni's idea is rather interesting - that nothing can overcome the power of nature, although (it's a little offtopic) I somewhat disagree that nature cannot be defeated - at least, not always.
“They reported that 78, 150 people had been killed, 13, 983 were missing, and 37, 425 had been injured. No one in the city government pretended that these figures were accurate—though the Americans accepted them as official—and as the months went by and more and more hundreds of corpses were dug up from the ruins.” (page 81)
Here, the quote shoes precision and accuracy, such as exactly how many died. Why does the author use accuracy?
Another question: What tone is used in the quote? The author used words, such as, "no one" and as the months went by and more and more hundreds of corpses were dug up from the ruins?"
Following the largest fulmination mankind had ever created, it was natural that the victims of the Great Experiment feel devalued. They saw themselves as guinea pigs for the US, and saw no difference between the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Holocaust. They argued that they were killing innocents without a hint of mercy, and that alone was enough for condemnation.
The US, however, defended her actions by stating the obvious. It was war, and they were desperate. By 1945, the US had pushed the Japanese all the way back to the home islands, and all that was left of the Empire of the Rising Sun was its heart. The core of fanatical nationalism drove the Japanese into a spirit of frenzy. In truth, the entire country was geared towards war. The US was at their doorstep, invasion was imminent. Everyone, everyone, participated in the war effort. Little boys were taught to hide bombs under their clothing and crawl under American tanks. High school girls were taught guerrila tactics and were trained to stab with sharpene bamboo sticks. In total, the US calcuated, that with this fevor, the US would lose over a million soldiers in an invasion attempt of Japan. Furthermore, Japanese civilians would have hell at their doorsteps and massacres of city populations would have occured. Therefore, the US reasons, an invasion would be too costly. It would be much better to break the will of the Japanese, and let her head bow willingly.
The estimates also show that, compared with the 100,000 people that were killed by the bomb, it is a far cry from the projected 1 million American souls and the genocide of the Japanese race.
However, when we look at the daily lives of those who live in Hiroshima, we see a tranquil city that is pretty much unaffected by the war so far. If parachutists had landed then, it appears that the docile nature of the civilians would not have been up to par with the hardened mentality of US troops. It would also seem unlikely that the foreigners would fight against their own breathren. When we see mothers with children, it is not logical for them to leave their children to engage them. Even the hardest rock has their weak spot. Love still is in bloom.
However, the bomb erases everything, and destroys the fragile bonds that man has with one another.
My question: Was the bomb a good move or not?
(I know that this is a matter of opinion, but I would like to know everyone's anyways
After reading this chapter, I thought about what had happened to the Japanese. It seems as though the author wrote as if the bomb had just dropped, but in this chapter it actually had past some time already. As I read about Father Kleinsorge, I really felt sorry for him, because his blood count kept going up and down, as if he was going to die. I was actually thinking that he was going die, but instead he lives. In this chapter, it also explains what the injuries and sickness were caused by, radiation.
At the end of the chapter, it was interesting to see a child at the age of 10, who had experienced the bombing, talking (happily) about what had happened on the day of the bombing. How can one recover so fast from that experience?
My question: “My child,” Father Kleinsorge said, “man is not now in the condition God intended. He has fallen from grace through sins.” What do you think he means? Is there any significance about this quote?
Q: "Japanese physicists, who knew a great deal about atomic fission, lindering radiation at Hiroshima..."p.72. In this chapter, Hiroshima is filled with people who are feeling bad because the radiation fission, not only the main characters. In my mind, the picture of Hiroshima is worse than the picture that I have for Night... What make it this way?
I think the main thing Hersey tries to show in this chapter is a new beginning in Hiroshima. The characters begin to start their normal lives again; the doctors finally get to take a break and live their lives, and the survivors are slowly getting better. Nature, represented by the plants, takes over where civilization has been destroyed. This is like the beginning on mankind when there weren't buildings or anything so high-tech. The bombing of Hiroshima brought death and destruction, but it also brings a fresh new start for the Japanese. Hope appears to be the main feeling Hersey is trying to convey.
Kimi: On page 74, “He’ll die. All these bomb people die--- you’ll see. They go along for a couple of weeks and then they will die.” Why does he say that? Does he already know that they are going to die? Or is he just lost his hope? What is the significance?
I think the doctor says that because he has seen patients with the same sickness, so he thinks that Father Kleinsorge doesn’t stand a chance to live, since so many had died. I think the significance is that people believe in what they see, and losing hope knowing that that (incident) had happened again and again.
Jennifer: Although dying is a sign of loyalty to the country, I would still try hard to survive. If a disaster like this kills thousands, all you could think of is survival. In connection with Night, everyone only thought about one's own survival. So I think it's most important to survive than to show loyalty to the country. If you chose to die, that means you have no hope in oneself and decide to give up. I would chose to protect myself from death, because I want to live as much as possible.
Matt: I think it also symbolizes the rage of the Japanese that they will not fall such easily, telling that they will rise again. (WE ARE NOT SO EASY TO GET KILLED!!!)
"Over everything—up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and in roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks—was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, potimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses."
I thought this was very ironic because miles around the victims of the bomb was effected. But instead the bomb made the plants flourish and grow. I thought this was strange. How could plants bloom and flourish, while the victims were suffering and dying?
Like I mentioned in my earlier responses, I've watched a documentary-like program on Discovery so I wasn't too surprised when I read about the terrible wounds and baffling symptoms that no doctors could explain.
"Hair started to fall out on its own accord, until she was quite bald" and parts like "Mr. Tanimoto fell ill with a general malaise."
Weird symptoms like these were unexplainable during their time. But as scientists and doctors started to work things out, they found out the true, terrible power of the atomic bomb. It not only causes immediate damage to buildings and human beings. it also hides a prolonged effect from radiation sickness. Those that Mr. Tanimoto and Mrs. Nakamura suffered were only the short-termed effects of radiation. Long term effects include mutation in the next generation.
Another thing the bomb indirectly caused was the sudden growth of various plants in the bomb area, hence the title of the chapter, "Panic Grass". I don't really get why this happens, but I agree with Chuni. We might be able to clear a city full of humans in a second, but we dont have the ability to overpower nature.
This chapter tells about after the bomb. The bomb not only just destroyed most of Hiroshima, but kill people, also injured people. Those that are still alive in Hiroshima will have to evcuate, because atomic bomb have a side effect; radiantion. Once you smeel to much of it, you will get sick, or probaly die. This is the most painful in the story.
“Even though she was still in pain, the sight horrified and amazed her, and there was something she noticed about it that particularly gave her the creeps. Over everything—up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and tin roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks—was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses. Weeds already hid the ashes, and wild flowers were in bloom among the city’s bones. The bomb had not only left the underground organs of plants intact; it had stimulated them.” (69) What is the significance of the new life rising from all the ruins? Does this symbolize anything? This scene is frightening yet beautiful, with the various plants growing again. This represents that nature takes over where civilization has been destroyed.
Hershey mainly talks about what happened to the six survivors in Chapter 4, and they are as followed: Miss Sasaki becomes a cripple, Mrs. Nakamura still lives a poor life, Father Kleinsorge gets back in the hospital for working too hard, Dr. Sasaki becomes married, Dr. Fufii opens a new clinic, and Mr. Tanimoto tries to build another church but does not have enough money. In this chapter, the Atomic bomb was also discussed by the Japanese scientists. They discovered numerous facts and even concluded that a A-bomb ten times or even twenty times could also be made. Apart from the bomb and the characters, Hersey also talks about Japanese patriotism. At the end of the chapter, for example, Hersey gave several examples. These examples include Dr. Y. Hiraiwa and his son under the house, and Miss Kayoka Nobutoki and her friends, also under a house.
Radiation sickness is just plain cruel. I mean, this kind of killing is completely unnecessary. This is actually cowardly. YOu dont go testing weapons on civilians, i dont care what side they're one. Actually, if you kind of can't safely test the results, dont use the freakin thing!Nobody deserves to die of something that was inflicted on them through no fault of their own. I feel so ashamed of the US right now...T_T anyways, This is where movies like The Hills Have Eyes come from
The nightmare is not over. Notice that the author repeatedly emphasizes that their hair is falling off. I think this is another form of dehumanization, just like Night. In Night, the people had their hair shaved off. The bomb had such an impact on Japan and they finally discovered that there was indeed such a dangerous weapon. When the main characters had a fever, he emphasized that the white blood cells were decreasing, and their will to fight is decreasing too, as white blood cells fight germs.
Chapter Four mainly represents a new start for Hiroshima. " Over everything- up through the wreckage of the city, in the gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among the tiles and tin roofing, climbing on the charred tree trunks, was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green...Weeds already hid the ashes, and wild flowers were in bloom among the city's bones." After the bomb practically ruined everything, there signs of new life, which were the flowers and greenery of nature; time heals everything. It has already been a year since the bombing, and as time passes mother nature heals the wounds the humans have made.
An important thing I had seen in this chapter is that the 6 characters beginning to meet each other for the first time. In the beginning of Hiroshima, the author talks about their lives separately, but in this chapter, he mentioned how Father Kliensorge met Mr. Fuji for the first time.
response to Chuni: I agree that one of themes, "community" has appeared in this chapter. Japanese nationalism can be seen here; "one of the girls begun to sing Kimi ga yo, national anthem and others followed in chorus and died." Mainly in Japanese culture, loyalty is the most important thing. "Yes, people of Hiroshima died mainly in the atomic bombing, believing that it was for Emperor's sake." (89)
“Next morning I found many men and women dead, whom I gave water last night. But to my surprise, I never heard any one cried in disorder, even though they suffered in great agony. They died in silence, with no grudge, setting their teeth to bear it. All for the country!” (Page 88)
In this qoute, it reveals the Japanese culture and their devotion to the country. What surprised me was that even though the atomic bomb had affected and completely destroyed, changed the people’s lives, they still have no resentment towards the U.S. They died silently. While the people who are living, suffer long term effects caused by the radiation from the bomb. I have sympathy for those who have to endure the pain, like we said in class “even death is better”
In this chapter, we see the effect of the bomb, not only short term but long term also. The radiation sickness caused so much pain after the bomb was dropped and some of the victims even passed on the radiation sickness to their offspring. I would expect the Japanese to totally hate the Americans for bombing Hiroshima and ruining their lives, but some Japanese just accepted it, "It was war and we had to expect it." This shows that the Japanese completely gave up on the war and that they had lost parts of their nationalism. If they still had nationalism, the Japanese would want to fight back, maybe launch an atomic bomb on America. This quote showed the Japanese's acceptance in their loss. I think they were too tired from both the war and the effect of the atomic bomb. They were too tired and hurt to think about what to do after they got healed. They would rather feel better now.
In this chapter, there were many situations where Hersey showed how disappointed he was the way the Japanese government coped with the situation. The first thing they did was roughly to determine the center by observing the side on which the telephone poles all around the heart of the town was scorched"
"Statistical workers gathered what figures they could on the effects of the bomb."
Both of these quotes show how Hersey disapproves the way the Japanese government copes with the situation, as it seems like they are much more interested in the bomb and the statistics than caring about the injured.
"Over everything-- up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and in tin roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks-- was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses." (pg 69)
I thought this quote expressed hope, but at the same time irony. It seemed as though hope was growing along with the plants (especially because Hersey described them as optimistic). Many people must have thought, "If nature and thrive after such a catastrophe, humans must be able to, too." Although it may be a sign of hope, I thought it was extremely ironic. After the deadliest bomb ever created was dropped on Hiroshima, humans were wiped out and nature, on the other hand, thrived. As written in the quote, they grew everywhere, "up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks."
Jerry Yeh: I agree with Amy's answer (more details), but in addition to that, I think it's because the torment in Night was different than that in Hiroshima. In Night, the story is more centered around Weisel's mental conflicts and pain. Of course the readers were aware of physical pain as well, but because it was from a first person point of view, the author can include whatever went on in his mind at that moment. On the other hand, in Hiroshima, the story was more centered around the physical pains suffered by the victims of the bomb. Just as the reader knows about physical tortures (but not as much)in Night, it is obvious to the readers that the characters of Hiroshima are suffering from mental pain as well as physical torture. The physical torture is simply brought out more descriptively and more often.
Albert: I think that the survivors truly don’t know that it was an atomic bomb that struck the area. It was written, “General MacArthur’s headquarters systematically censored all mention of the bomb in Japanese scientific publications…”(82) It is made clear here that the survivors would less likely know about nuclear weapons. In the earlier chapters evidence of people not knowing about such nuclear weapons can be found. When Dr. Fujii asked Dr. Machii what caused the destruction, Dr Machii said, “It must have been a Molotoffano banakago”(23) As you can see, the knowledge of many Japanese have no idea of atomic weapons.
I’ve notice the way John Hershey describe the scenes has become more visualize. Also in a mental way that makes you feel uncomfortable. One of the example that he said that made me feel grotesque: “…after one stoke, that her comb carried with it a whole handful of hair; the second time, the same thing happened, so she stopped combing at once.”(p.68) this is very scary to know that your hair is falling off easily. It just detach from your skin just because of the radiation. There are things happening to them after the bomb, but the most frightening was when a doctor from Tokyo came to take a look at the priest. It makes my heart jump to think of death again; he said they’ll all die eventually when the times come. In the John Hershey words, he did put in this feeling of not wanting death. Or rather, death is pulling them down, but some of them are able to get away from death. This is an atmosphere he put that made the reader feels uncomfortable. Being able to experience through your own imaginations frightens me. I placed myself in as one of those people in the book, I would’ve given up and feel miserable since I have already been put in a death sentence ever since the bomb exploded. I think the author did a great job on grabbing the reader to have hope, especially when Miss Sasaki finally becomes weaker and weaker, but she’s able to stand up again to force herself to recover. The author express the sign of hope and confidence also disgust in a way of they have become.
On page 83, the second paragraph and on page 85 last paragraph to page 86, it talks about Ms. Sasaki converting to Catholicism. I found it interesting how after much suffering, she decided to convert. She even showed some signs of doubting God when she asked "If your God is so good and kind, how can he let people suffer like this?"[p.83]What is it that made her decide to believe in God and to be a catholic?
The fact that more and more people are influenced badly by the radiation scares me. Miss Nakamura’s hair falls out, a person’s hair turned white, they are losing white blood cells, and they are getting more and more tired. However, the good thing is that a few of the main characters gradually go back to normal life—life that is not full of disaster but not the same normal life before the bomb. The bomb broke many families apart but ironically brought many people together.
The bomb had not only left the underground organs of plants intact; it had stimulated them. -- I think that this, and the phrases preceding and proceeding it make the scene more lively and somewhat relieving. I think that it is amazing how an atomic bomb, of which had destroyed tons and tons of human life, is able to generate so much plant life. Less than a miracle, but more than your everyday sight. It's kind of ironic in a way, but it is still a true recording of events, like "Night", so it impresses me. -- For some reason, I think a lot of people have used this quote before me, so [looks at Chuni's]...oh whoops! Gomen-nasai!
From page 87-89 in Hiroshima, Mr. Tanimoto’s letter to his American friend shows the cultural aspects and the arising community spirits within Japan. As the bomb fell upon the Japanese, they were first fearful about the sudden disastrous effects, however after the bombing, they realized what’s even scarier is the aftermath. The aftermath of the bomb includes radiation sickness, poor health care, skin diseases, fear, and also toppling buildings. Although the Japanese had suffered in great agony, however they can survive because of their belief towards the Tenno and the Japanese government, and not blaming on Tenno to cause the war. Their loss of the war against the Allies forces doesn’t affect their trust towards the Tenno, which they treated him as God in western countries. Despite all their sacrifices of the Japanese’s families and possessions, they don’t fret over their loss, however they were glad to consecrate their lives for the country they love. “ They died in silence, with no grudge, setting their teeth to bear it. All for out country!” We wouldn’t truly understand how the Japanese can be so courageous to die for their own country and their belief towards the Tenno.
I think it's good that the residents of Hiroshima are able to go back to a somewhat normal life after the disaster, and that after being affected by the radiation they were able to overcome their suffering and recover. However, what i think is more amazing is the way the bomb stimulated the plant growth. Does radiation cause plants to grow faster? Does it stimulate their metabolism? Does it mean that in the end, what is natural will prevail over what is man-made? Also, the bomb tied the residents of Hiroshima together in their unanimous struggle to live on and resume their normal lives. Total strangers helped each other out, and in a strange way, the bomb seemed to bring people closer by destroying what kept them apart, things like buildings, roads, and such.
On page 64, "Some time later,in a ltetter to an American... and Japan started her own way."In the Japanese society, the emperor is equal to god so the citizens of Hiroshima were suprised because "God" was talking to them and normally, an emperor never broadcasts himself through radio. It was their first time to hear him speak and it was ironic because tenno was the one who started the war and to invade china.
I agree with Michael. The bomb definetly tied the resident of Hiroshima together in their unanimous struggle to live on and resume their normal lives. Since they had no other choice, strangers helped each other out and the explosion costed hundreds of buildings and it brought them closer.
61 comments:
On p. 69 when Hersey says that "the bomb had not only left underground organs of plants intact; it has stimulated them." What is interesting is that despite the atomic bomb's horrifying power, it can still not overcome nature. It is surprising that something that causes whirlwinds, contaminates water, tears down trees, building and destroy humans without physical damage, is unable to destroy nature. This tells us that no matter what human make or do, they will never overcome the power of nature. Even after atrocity of great power is committed and humans die, nature is still able to stand it's ground while humans are being destroyed. When humans destroy each other, nature still flourishes. Ironically, instead of destroying the plants it stimulates growth. As Albert Einstein once said, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."
It is also interesting to note the sense of community after the bomb. Not only does Dr. Sasaki work selflessly and with borrowed glasses but Dr. Fujii also started treating patients.
However, it is disturbing to see how many died of the after effects of either radiation of symptoms of Radiation Sickness. Many of the survivors died of from Radiation rather than the initial blast itself as also seen in previous chapters.
Ironically, after Japan surrendered the first thing the Japanese and Allies did was to scientifically and medically investigate the effects of the bomb rather than treating the patients. This clearly shows how the US merely used the innocent civilians in Hiroshima as "lab rats" in an "experiment". Instead of providing aid and treatment, the Hibakusha were left with nothing. Not only does the public shy away from these "survivors" as almost beasts. This clearly shows a kind of dehumanization and segregation within the Japanese community. Personally, I believe they were not willing to face the ugly truth and reality. Additionally the fact that they say "Shikata ga nai" meaning there's nothing to do about is also rather interesting. Not only do they quasi "accept" their situation as a segregated "type" of people but also see themselves merely as "unlucky" people and that it was "fate".
Nevertheless, there was definitely understandable hatred the Japanese had towards the Americans. This shows how their nationalism still perseveres in a sense. Even when the bomb dropped, school children sang the national anthem to their deaths. This shows Japanese nationalism and community spirit. They were not individuals but rather a huge community. The fact that they started to accept their fate is also undoubtedly similar to the novel "Night" when Jews started to accept their fate. I think this may have been caused by prolonged dehumanization that they stopped believing.
In chapter 4, Hershy lets us fully understand the true effects of the atomic bomb. The radiation sickness caused by the atomic bomb were only understood after what heppened to the citizens of Hiroshima, as no other human was exposed to the radiation before. The enormous heat generated at the atomic bomb's centerwas capable to melt the surface of granite thousands of yards away. The flash generated by the bomb was so bright, notes Hersey, that it left shadows of buildings and even human outlines imprinted on walls.
In chapter 4, Hersey writes about the effects of the bomb. Those affected by radiation sickness. It's interesting that people who are affected can't seem to act the same as they used to. As if the bomb took all the life out of them. They also suffer from wounds which never heal, which in a way, may symbolize the affect the bomb had on people's lives. I'm also amazed at the power of the atomic bomb. It was so powerful it affected places miles away, and even the flash was powerful enough to leave shadows. And yet, in a very odd way, the bomb brought these people together.
P.72 “The experts found, for instance, a permanent shadow thrown on the roof of the Chamber of Commerce Building...” The power of the atomic bomb is quite incomprehensible. A force this great to create a permanent shadow is quite out of perspective. The power of the bomb could kill hundred thousand people and yet the survivors cannot recognized that it was an atomic bomb but of something else. Are they justing being ignorant or do they truly not know?
Now comes the side affect of the atomic bomb. In this chapter, Hersey describes with details how radiation of the bomb infects Ms. Nakamura, Father Kleinsorge and Mr. Tanimoto.
I think the main difference between Hiroshima and Night is that in Night, they have to kill the Jews with a lot of people. But in Hiroshima, one single atomic bomb can cause the tragedy.
As the title of the chapter " Panic Grass and Feverfew ", Hersey shows that the bomb has greatly increased the vegetation. Now the city has an appearence of vivid, lush. Nature takes over where civilization were destroyed.
At the end of the chapter four, all the main characters begin to resume some sort of a normal life.
Why do you think this chapter was named “Panic Grass and Feverfews”?
Panic grasses are a weed-like grass that looks a little like cattail. Feverfews are daisy-like plants that grow in many areas. Feverfews are used as medicine for anything from cold to fever. I think the author picked these interesting plants for the title to show hope and medical care for the victims of Hiroshima. The names of these grasses seem to fit well with the topic. The grasses symbolizes hope and renewing of Hiroshima.
On page 89, Hersey emphasized the victims’ resigned attitude, Mrs. Nakamura says, “Shikata ga nai,” or “It can’t be helped.” Dr Fujii also said something of the like.
In class we learned of Japanese nationalism, and of how it held the Japanese people together under totalitarian rule and harsh war. Why, only a few months after the bomb and the surrender, would they lose that feeling of indignant national pride?
Also, on page 74, “As soon as the [reassurance of no radiation harm in Hiroshima] reached the household in which Mrs. Nakamura was concealing herself, her whole family relaxed their extreme hatred of America.” Just that? They feel sudden hatred from the prohibition of Hiroshima, and after the ban was lifted, they’re fine and happy again? I don’t think it makes sense; what nationalism is Hersey trying to show here?
In chapter 4, the disease gradually came out, which made a lot of rumors and destructions in the novel. It affected people’s mind and their health importantly, which the fear toward their own condition and environment more and more. So the hopelessness comes out more. I found out that the more we read the idea of fear, terror, and hopelessness have increasingly comes realistic and further.
Heresy explained the situation of the sickness, like in page 74 it says, “When Father Kleinsorge arrived at the hospital, he was terribly pale and very shaky.” He made the sickness more and more realistic.
Also on the same page 74, “He’ll die. All these bomb people die--- you’ll see. They go along for a couple of weeks and then they will die.” Why does he say that? Does he already know that they are going to die? Or is he just lost his hope? What is the significance?
Also in this chapter I discovered that some people are treated differently. For example, when Father Kleinsorge was carried to the hospital, he was been feed with some eggs or beef and also some vitamins. Even though he’s been forced but he still got a better medical care, unlike Mrs. Nakamura. She was too poor to see the doctor, so she doesn’t have any medical cares, including her children too.
“Up to this time, Mrs. Nakamura and her relatives had been quite resigned and passive about the moral issue of the atomic bomb, but this rumor suddenly aroused them to more hatred and resentment of America than they had felt all through the war.” (Hersey 72) This quote shows two aspects of the Japanese people that are seen throughout the book. I thought the first part of this quote showed that the Japanese were not people who kept track of who had hurt them. They forgive even if what was done to them was immoral. The passage also reveals the power of rumors in the Japanese society. A small rumor can lead to feelings of hatred that can spread easily as the Japanese culture has a strong sense of community. I thought it also showed that in a war civilians are not informed of all the things that are happening. This causes more suffering of the mind among the civilians, like how the atomic bomb was dropped and the civilians suffered without even knowing what really had hit them.
In chapter four, the symptons from the radiation of the are beginning to show. Mrs. Nakamura began to lose hair, while Miss Sasaki had a extremely low white blood cell count.
At first it had seemed like Miss Sasaki wasn't going to live, but then Father Kleinsorge went to visit her. At first she resented him because she said if there were a God, people wouldn't be suffering. Slowly, she seemed to understand Father Kleinsorge's explanation, and her health improved. And as soon as she got out of the hospital, she became a Catholic. I think religion was something that Miss Sasaki really needed. It helped her have faith and hope, or else she would have already given up.
"In thinking of their experience of that time Dr. Hiraiwa repeated, "what a fortunate that we are Japanese! It was my first time I ever tasted such a beautiful spirit when I decided to die for our Emperor." (page 88)
This quote showed the Japanese culture, how they thinking sacrificing their life is honorable. Japanese think the tenno is a god, so they adore him like a god. They are willing to do anything for him, buy just saying banzai it satisfies them
In chapter four, we learn that the bomb have given people radiation sickness. Ms. Nakamura began to lose hair, Father Kleinsorge’s wounds “opened wider and were swollen and inflamed.” Mr. Tanimoto also fell ill suddenly with a general malaise. I think this shows that the bomb doesn’t just kill people instantly, it also gives people weird diseases. Ironically, when Miss Sasaki was carried through the city’s street, she saw that the bomb had not only “left the underground organs of the plants intact; it had stimulated them.” I think this really surprised me, how did the plants survive the devastating bomb when most of the human beings died? I think Miss Sasaki might have hallucinated that scene or it shows how nature cannot be destroyed. When people are bombing each other, nature survives the awful situation. The bomb also stimulated the plants to grow. I think this may be a result of the radiation from the bomb.
I find the part when Miss Sasaki asked, “If your God is so good and kind, how can he let people suffer like this,” similar to when Elie questioned God in Night. I think both Elie and Sasaki are both frustrated that they were being dehumanized, so they wanted to find an answer through religion. When people are struggling with life, they often question others to find an answer to their problems.
The largest part of chapter 4 talks about the horrifying effects of radiation sickness. Father Kleinsorge and Miss Sasaki have wounds that won’t heal; Mrs. Nakamura and her children have lost their hair and suffer from diarrhea; Reverend Tanimoto, Father Kleinsorge, and Dr. Sasaki suffer from weakness and a loss of energy. Miss Sasaki has a deep depression that is keeping her from healing. The lack of medical supplies, doctors, and nurses, and the medical inexperience with radiation sickness also contribute to the problem. They try to rebuild homes and churches, try to feed and clothe children. At the end of chapter 4, Hersey questions the readers weather the bomb should have been dropped. He gives the readers three view points letting the readers draw their conclusions. Some people suggested a community spirit and traditional attitude of dying with honor for the Emperor are positive results of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. On the other hand, many Hiroshima’s citizens hate Americans and feel they should be tried as war criminals and hanged. Which view point would you choose if you were a citizen in Hioshima?
How is Toshio able to put the bomb behind himself so quickly? After all, he had a lot of nightmares about his hero dying in the bombing, but later he wrote a very plain, straightforward essay about it-and that kinda scares me. Has he really forgotten the terror?
Chuni: Yes, it's interesting. However, perhaps this is only temporary-the plants may later wither from radiation. However, it is nice to see how nature can conquer man's own evil.
The fact that these people all lived was, for me, miraculous. After being near the site where an atomic bomb was hit, suffering from lack of medication and enduring all that radiation, and they were still able to live? This for me was alittle unrealistic. Maybe it was all his mind, then we can't comment on his imagination. But what if it was all real? That would mean these people survived against odds maybe less than 10% again them. Were they just lucky? Or was this part of his imagination? This is my question.
In Chapter 4, it showed that the nightmare hasnt ended. That there was a forever lasting effect on them. Not only did the bomb bring upon physical damage but it also caused disease. Not only do the Japanese people have to worry about their sickness but the weather gets extremely bad. Also in Chapter 4 it shows how much the bomb has changed their lives. All the victims have to rebuild their lives. They have to start from scratch. The bomb completely took away their lives.
The atomic bomb let loose in Hiroshima was so powerful that even miles away from the spot, people were affected. However the bomb not only caused an explosion and force, it also sent a wave of mutating radiation across the area. The wave deformed many people and the intense heat scarred them physically for life. However the bomb's purpose didn't seem to be just for Japan's surrender. It seemed like a test for each individual and their characteristics. It brought out the evil in some people and in others, the good. Some people put their lives on the line to help others in danger. Some decided to help with as little as possible or to not help at all.
In the chp there's lots of places were there was a wound and it never heals, was it because of the radiation, but the flower grow better with the radiation. So i think it was kind of funny how that happend
"...her whole family relaxed their extreme hatred of America, and Mrs. Nakamura sent her brother-in-law to look for the sewing machine. It was still submerged in the water tank, and when he brought it home, she saw, to her dismay, that it was all rusted and useless" (74).
By adding these lines, I think John Hersey is trying to say that Mrs. Nakamura's life is no longer in the panic-stricken state of right after the bomb. Mrs. Nakamura had thrown it away supposing she wouldn't need it anymore - and now she's taking it back. She's starting to consider the past-life's practicalities. I also suppose her hair has something to do with it. The falling-out was the main sign of the radiation effect on her. Since her hair grew back, she probably feels a little more normal.
Doris: Hersey might be trying to say that they have accepted the bombing as part of life. The Nakamuras had all been feeling better. They might've thought: "It happened, and as long as it doesn't affect me in the future, I'm okay with it." The Nakamuras hated the Americans because they thought that the Americans would have crippled them for life. But now that they think everything's going to be all right, they're somewhat accepted the bombing.
In chapter four we learn about the after affects of the atomic bombs radiation. Hersey describes radiation sickness and what happens to people who get it. The sickness killed a great number of people in Hiroshima. Some characters start to go back to living in normal lives again, and get used to the mess around them. And some Japanese are starting to feel hatred toward the Americans. I think that they're shock from the atomic bomb is starting to turn into hatred.
Linghy: I think even though most people died, there were still chances for some people to live. =) so it's just that they are lucky to still be alive.
Adam: I am not sure why Hersey chose to name this chapter Panic Grass and Feverfew, but since panic grass is a weed, i suppose it grows out of anywhere. Meaning that the Japanese are going to stand back up no matter how bad the environment is, and since feverfew is used in some medicine, perhaps it is related to medical care helping fellow Japanese to be guided back into their on-track lives? :D yeah.
&&I agree how this chapter is all about Hersey showing us how much the bomb affected the 6 characters' lives. :D
In this chapter, we see the long-term effects of the bomb. Before, we saw the instant effects of the bomb. We saw how it wrecked homes, how it killed people instantly, how it caused burns and physical pain to its victims. We saw broken bones and vomiting as well. These are all instant effects. The long term effects that we are seeing now are effects of the radiation sickness, such as continued digestive problems and also problems with wounds that are seemingly healthy one day and quite serious the next. This shows just how horrible the bomb really was. When we think of bombs, we probably think of just things being blown up. We don't think of it affecting the rest of someone's life, like it did to the victims of the bombing at Hiroshima. I thought it was appalling how the United States could have used other human beings as guinea pigs for such a project; they proceeded with no consideration for the Japanese people.
We also see more selfless acts from the survivors that are able to help. Tanimoto continues to help people, no matter how mutilated they are; their skin can be falling off, but Tanimoto will still ferry them to safety. Tanimoto also tries to get aid from other places, but is unsuccessful. Dr. Sasaki also helps many people. He works tirelessly to help the wounded that are swarming the hospital, and he sacrifices his own sleep to help them.
In this chapter many intresting things happenned such as, the victims reactions showed the Japanese nationalism, the USA's cruelity to think of the Japanese as lab rats and the side effect of the bomb how it increase vegitation.
Unlike the Jewish people the survivors even after the tragety still believe in their emperor, god. The Jewish people had stopped believe in god when they had been tortured. this really shows the difference between the two cultures and the Japanese nationalism.
Why did the USA drop the atomic bomb? I don't think stopping war was the USA's sole purpose, I this chapter it clearly shows that the USA wanted to see the effect of the bomb. The USA probably wanted to see the result of the explosion in a real situation.
"killing" isn't the only effect of the Atomic bomb. the atomic bomb didn't only kill humans it also ironically gave life to nature. It seemed that in exchange for killing and destroying life is giving life. in exchange for the people killed the plant lived. It seem ironic that so much "things" that arn't neccesary bad comes out as result of these acts of evil. It's similiar with the holocaust, millions of people killed however from the tests the nazis gained from using jews as lab rats resulted great amount of medical knowledge which saved also a large population of people today.
It is really ironic in how many of the citizens of Japan believed in the Emperor and were willing to sacrifice their lives for him. The Americans were also ironic because they didn’t want the Japanese to find out how the bomb was built or worked. They later sent forces to stop the Japanese from finding out more then what the Americans wanted them to know. The Japanese were very accurate in their count for the casualties and building destroyed. In the end of the chapter, different characters had different opinions about the usage of the bomb. Some said that the inventors of the bomb should be hanged and sentenced to death. Others like the Fathers believed that this was part of war, and in war, many died. They also mentioned that the bomb was an effective warning to Japan to stop the war, bloodshed and save Japan from total destruction.
Hersey, on page 69, writes..."the bomb had not only left underground organs of plants intact; it has stimulated them." The plants, after the atomic explosion, blossom and flourish, growing rapidly. Amidst all this disaster and death, there is life. There is life actually growing in a rapid pace, faster than ever before. it is such irony that gives humor to the ordeal of the atomic bomb.
I think this is another down low point in this book - it is about a year after the bomb detonated in Hiroshima, and so many people are still suffering, still dying. However, things are picking back up - stores and hospitals are reopening, and Mrs. Nakamura is retrieving bits of her old life, although she knows it will never be the same. (This is most seen in Miss Sasaki's story, she will be crippled for the rest of her life). And they're very fragile, cannot work as much as they used to, and have to rest for periods of time.
What really stinks though, is how all the survivors (although they dont call themselves that)has been through so much and survived it, and now they're dying of the radiation, the monster within them. This chapter spends a great deal of paper explaining the theories of the Japanese doctors about the radiation, and everything that happened in detail generally.
The plants were rather interesting - I somewhat saw them symbolising the Japanese themselves - that even though they've been through this much, they've 'relaxed their hate of the Americans', and stood back up again, learning to live with all the mishaps of the bomb's effects.
Although Chuni's idea is rather interesting - that nothing can overcome the power of nature, although (it's a little offtopic) I somewhat disagree that nature cannot be defeated - at least, not always.
“They reported that 78, 150 people had been killed, 13, 983 were missing, and 37, 425 had been injured. No one in the city government pretended that these figures were accurate—though the Americans accepted them as official—and as the months went by and more and more hundreds of corpses were dug up from the ruins.” (page 81)
Here, the quote shoes precision and accuracy, such as exactly how many died. Why does the author use accuracy?
Another question: What tone is used in the quote? The author used words, such as, "no one" and as the months went by and more and more hundreds of corpses were dug up from the ruins?"
Following the largest fulmination mankind had ever created, it was natural that the victims of the Great Experiment feel devalued. They saw themselves as guinea pigs for the US, and saw no difference between the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Holocaust. They argued that they were killing innocents without a hint of mercy, and that alone was enough for condemnation.
The US, however, defended her actions by stating the obvious. It was war, and they were desperate. By 1945, the US had pushed the Japanese all the way back to the home islands, and all that was left of the Empire of the Rising Sun was its heart. The core of fanatical nationalism drove the Japanese into a spirit of frenzy. In truth, the entire country was geared towards war. The US was at their doorstep, invasion was imminent. Everyone, everyone, participated in the war effort. Little boys were taught to hide bombs under their clothing and crawl under American tanks. High school girls were taught guerrila tactics and were trained to stab with sharpene bamboo sticks. In total, the US calcuated, that with this fevor, the US would lose over a million soldiers in an invasion attempt of Japan. Furthermore, Japanese civilians would have hell at their doorsteps and massacres of city populations would have occured. Therefore, the US reasons, an invasion would be too costly. It would be much better to break the will of the Japanese, and let her head bow willingly.
The estimates also show that, compared with the 100,000 people that were killed by the bomb, it is a far cry from the projected 1 million American souls and the genocide of the Japanese race.
However, when we look at the daily lives of those who live in Hiroshima, we see a tranquil city that is pretty much unaffected by the war so far. If parachutists had landed then, it appears that the docile nature of the civilians would not have been up to par with the hardened mentality of US troops. It would also seem unlikely that the foreigners would fight against their own breathren. When we see mothers with children, it is not logical for them to leave their children to engage them. Even the hardest rock has their weak spot. Love still is in bloom.
However, the bomb erases everything, and destroys the fragile bonds that man has with one another.
My question: Was the bomb a good move or not?
(I know that this is a matter of opinion, but I would like to know everyone's anyways
After reading this chapter, I thought about what had happened to the Japanese. It seems as though the author wrote as if the bomb had just dropped, but in this chapter it actually had past some time already. As I read about Father Kleinsorge, I really felt sorry for him, because his blood count kept going up and down, as if he was going to die. I was actually thinking that he was going die, but instead he lives. In this chapter, it also explains what the injuries and sickness were caused by, radiation.
At the end of the chapter, it was interesting to see a child at the age of 10, who had experienced the bombing, talking (happily) about what had happened on the day of the bombing. How can one recover so fast from that experience?
My question: “My child,” Father Kleinsorge said, “man is not now in the condition God intended. He has fallen from grace through sins.”
What do you think he means? Is there any significance about this quote?
Q: "Japanese physicists, who knew a great deal about atomic fission, lindering radiation at Hiroshima..."p.72. In this chapter, Hiroshima is filled with people who are feeling bad because the radiation fission, not only the main characters. In my mind, the picture of Hiroshima is worse than the picture that I have for Night...
What make it this way?
I think the main thing Hersey tries to show in this chapter is a new beginning in Hiroshima. The characters begin to start their normal lives again; the doctors finally get to take a break and live their lives, and the survivors are slowly getting better. Nature, represented by the plants, takes over where civilization has been destroyed. This is like the beginning on mankind when there weren't buildings or anything so high-tech. The bombing of Hiroshima brought death and destruction, but it also brings a fresh new start for the Japanese. Hope appears to be the main feeling Hersey is trying to convey.
Kimi: On page 74, “He’ll die. All these bomb people die--- you’ll see. They go along for a couple of weeks and then they will die.” Why does he say that? Does he already know that they are going to die? Or is he just lost his hope? What is the significance?
I think the doctor says that because he has seen patients with the same sickness, so he thinks that Father Kleinsorge doesn’t stand a chance to live, since so many had died. I think the significance is that people believe in what they see, and losing hope knowing that that (incident) had happened again and again.
Jennifer: Although dying is a sign of loyalty to the country, I would still try hard to survive. If a disaster like this kills thousands, all you could think of is survival. In connection with Night, everyone only thought about one's own survival. So I think it's most important to survive than to show loyalty to the country. If you chose to die, that means you have no hope in oneself and decide to give up. I would chose to protect myself from death, because I want to live as much as possible.
Matt: I think it also symbolizes the rage of the Japanese that they will not fall such easily, telling that they will rise again. (WE ARE NOT SO EASY TO GET KILLED!!!)
"Over everything—up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and in roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks—was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, potimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses."
I thought this was very ironic because miles around the victims of the bomb was effected. But instead the bomb made the plants flourish and grow. I thought this was strange. How could plants bloom and flourish, while the victims were suffering and dying?
Like I mentioned in my earlier responses, I've watched a documentary-like program on Discovery so I wasn't too surprised when I read about the terrible wounds and baffling symptoms that no doctors could explain.
"Hair started to fall out on its own accord, until she was quite bald" and parts like "Mr. Tanimoto fell ill with a general malaise."
Weird symptoms like these were unexplainable during their time. But as scientists and doctors started to work things out, they found out the true, terrible power of the atomic bomb. It not only causes immediate damage to buildings and human beings. it also hides a prolonged effect from radiation sickness. Those that Mr. Tanimoto and Mrs. Nakamura suffered were only the short-termed effects of radiation. Long term effects include mutation in the next generation.
Another thing the bomb indirectly caused was the sudden growth of various plants in the bomb area, hence the title of the chapter, "Panic Grass". I don't really get why this happens, but I agree with Chuni. We might be able to clear a city full of humans in a second, but we dont have the ability to overpower nature.
This chapter tells about after the bomb. The bomb not only just destroyed most of Hiroshima, but kill people, also injured people. Those that are still alive in Hiroshima will have to evcuate, because atomic bomb have a side effect; radiantion. Once you smeel to much of it, you will get sick, or probaly die. This is the most painful in the story.
“Even though she was still in pain, the sight horrified and amazed her, and there was something she noticed about it that particularly gave her the creeps. Over everything—up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and tin roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks—was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses. Weeds already hid the ashes, and wild flowers were in bloom among the city’s bones. The bomb had not only left the underground organs of plants intact; it had stimulated them.” (69)
What is the significance of the new life rising from all the ruins? Does this symbolize anything? This scene is frightening yet beautiful, with the various plants growing again. This represents that nature takes over where civilization has been destroyed.
Hershey mainly talks about what happened to the six survivors in Chapter 4, and they are as followed: Miss Sasaki becomes a cripple, Mrs. Nakamura still lives a poor life, Father Kleinsorge gets back in the hospital for working too hard, Dr. Sasaki becomes married, Dr. Fufii opens a new clinic, and Mr. Tanimoto tries to build another church but does not have enough money.
In this chapter, the Atomic bomb was also discussed by the Japanese scientists. They discovered numerous facts and even concluded that a A-bomb ten times or even twenty times could also be made.
Apart from the bomb and the characters, Hersey also talks about Japanese patriotism. At the end of the chapter, for example, Hersey gave several examples. These examples include Dr. Y. Hiraiwa and his son under the house, and Miss Kayoka Nobutoki and her friends, also under a house.
Radiation sickness is just plain cruel. I mean, this kind of killing is completely unnecessary. This is actually cowardly. YOu dont go testing weapons on civilians, i dont care what side they're one. Actually, if you kind of can't safely test the results, dont use the freakin thing!Nobody deserves to die of something that was inflicted on them through no fault of their own. I feel so ashamed of the US right now...T_T anyways, This is where movies like The Hills Have Eyes come from
The nightmare is not over. Notice that the author repeatedly emphasizes that their hair is falling off. I think this is another form of dehumanization, just like Night. In Night, the people had their hair shaved off. The bomb had such an impact on Japan and they finally discovered that there was indeed such a dangerous weapon. When the main characters had a fever, he emphasized that the white blood cells were decreasing, and their will to fight is decreasing too, as white blood cells fight germs.
Chapter Four mainly represents a new start for Hiroshima. " Over everything- up through the wreckage of the city, in the gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among the tiles and tin roofing, climbing on the charred tree trunks, was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green...Weeds already hid the ashes, and wild flowers were in bloom among the city's bones." After the bomb practically ruined everything, there signs of new life, which were the flowers and greenery of nature; time heals everything. It has already been a year since the bombing, and as time passes mother nature heals the wounds the humans have made.
An important thing I had seen in this chapter is that the 6 characters beginning to meet each other for the first time. In the beginning of Hiroshima, the author talks about their lives separately, but in this chapter, he mentioned how Father Kliensorge met Mr. Fuji for the first time.
response to Chuni:
I agree that one of themes, "community" has appeared in this chapter. Japanese nationalism can be seen here; "one of the girls begun to sing Kimi ga yo, national anthem and others followed in chorus and died." Mainly in Japanese culture, loyalty is the most important thing. "Yes, people of Hiroshima died mainly in the atomic bombing, believing that it was for Emperor's sake." (89)
“Next morning I found many men and women dead, whom I gave water last night. But to my surprise, I never heard any one cried in disorder, even though they suffered in great agony. They died in silence, with no grudge, setting their teeth to bear it. All for the country!” (Page 88)
In this qoute, it reveals the Japanese culture and their devotion to the country. What surprised me was that even though the atomic bomb had affected and completely destroyed, changed the people’s lives, they still have no resentment towards the U.S. They died silently.
While the people who are living, suffer long term effects caused by the radiation from the bomb. I have sympathy for those who have to endure the pain, like we said in class “even death is better”
In this chapter, we see the effect of the bomb, not only short term but long term also. The radiation sickness caused so much pain after the bomb was dropped and some of the victims even passed on the radiation sickness to their offspring. I would expect the Japanese to totally hate the Americans for bombing Hiroshima and ruining their lives, but some Japanese just accepted it, "It was war and we had to expect it." This shows that the Japanese completely gave up on the war and that they had lost parts of their nationalism. If they still had nationalism, the Japanese would want to fight back, maybe launch an atomic bomb on America. This quote showed the Japanese's acceptance in their loss. I think they were too tired from both the war and the effect of the atomic bomb. They were too tired and hurt to think about what to do after they got healed. They would rather feel better now.
Yerry: the picture of Hiroshima is worse than the picture that I have for Night...
What will make it this way?
You probably have a better image implanted in your mind because Hersey gives precise details.
In this chapter, there were many situations where Hersey showed how disappointed he was the way the Japanese government coped with the situation.
The first thing they did was roughly to determine the center by observing the side on which the telephone poles all around the heart of the town was scorched"
"Statistical workers gathered what figures they could on the effects of the bomb."
Both of these quotes show how Hersey disapproves the way the Japanese government copes with the situation, as it seems like they are much more interested in the bomb and the statistics than caring about the injured.
"Over everything-- up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks, tangled among tiles and in tin roofing, climbing on charred tree trunks-- was a blanket of fresh, vivid, lush, optimistic green; the verdancy rose even from the foundations of ruined houses." (pg 69)
I thought this quote expressed hope, but at the same time irony. It seemed as though hope was growing along with the plants (especially because Hersey described them as optimistic). Many people must have thought, "If nature and thrive after such a catastrophe, humans must be able to, too." Although it may be a sign of hope, I thought it was extremely ironic. After the deadliest bomb ever created was dropped on Hiroshima, humans were wiped out and nature, on the other hand, thrived. As written in the quote, they grew everywhere, "up through the wreckage of the city, in gutters, along the riverbanks."
Jerry Yeh: I agree with Amy's answer (more details), but in addition to that, I think it's because the torment in Night was different than that in Hiroshima. In Night, the story is more centered around Weisel's mental conflicts and pain. Of course the readers were aware of physical pain as well, but because it was from a first person point of view, the author can include whatever went on in his mind at that moment. On the other hand, in Hiroshima, the story was more centered around the physical pains suffered by the victims of the bomb. Just as the reader knows about physical tortures (but not as much)in Night, it is obvious to the readers that the characters of Hiroshima are suffering from mental pain as well as physical torture. The physical torture is simply brought out more descriptively and more often.
Albert: I think that the survivors truly don’t know that it was an atomic bomb that struck the area. It was written, “General MacArthur’s headquarters systematically censored all mention of the bomb in Japanese scientific publications…”(82) It is made clear here that the survivors would less likely know about nuclear weapons. In the earlier chapters evidence of people not knowing about such nuclear weapons can be found. When Dr. Fujii asked Dr. Machii what caused the destruction, Dr Machii said, “It must have been a Molotoffano banakago”(23) As you can see, the knowledge of many Japanese have no idea of atomic weapons.
I’ve notice the way John Hershey describe the scenes has become more visualize. Also in a mental way that makes you feel uncomfortable. One of the example that he said that made me feel grotesque: “…after one stoke, that her comb carried with it a whole handful of hair; the second time, the same thing happened, so she stopped combing at once.”(p.68) this is very scary to know that your hair is falling off easily. It just detach from your skin just because of the radiation. There are things happening to them after the bomb, but the most frightening was when a doctor from Tokyo came to take a look at the priest. It makes my heart jump to think of death again; he said they’ll all die eventually when the times come. In the John Hershey words, he did put in this feeling of not wanting death. Or rather, death is pulling them down, but some of them are able to get away from death. This is an atmosphere he put that made the reader feels uncomfortable. Being able to experience through your own imaginations frightens me. I placed myself in as one of those people in the book, I would’ve given up and feel miserable since I have already been put in a death sentence ever since the bomb exploded. I think the author did a great job on grabbing the reader to have hope, especially when Miss Sasaki finally becomes weaker and weaker, but she’s able to stand up again to force herself to recover. The author express the sign of hope and confidence also disgust in a way of they have become.
On page 83, the second paragraph and on page 85 last paragraph to page 86, it talks about Ms. Sasaki converting to Catholicism. I found it interesting how after much suffering, she decided to convert. She even showed some signs of doubting God when she asked "If your God is so good and kind, how can he let people suffer like this?"[p.83]What is it that made her decide to believe in God and to be a catholic?
The fact that more and more people are influenced badly by the radiation scares me. Miss Nakamura’s hair falls out, a person’s hair turned white, they are losing white blood cells, and they are getting more and more tired. However, the good thing is that a few of the main characters gradually go back to normal life—life that is not full of disaster but not the same normal life before the bomb. The bomb broke many families apart but ironically brought many people together.
The bomb had not only left the underground organs of plants intact; it had stimulated them.
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I think that this, and the phrases preceding and proceeding it make the scene more lively and somewhat relieving. I think that it is amazing how an atomic bomb, of which had destroyed tons and tons of human life, is able to generate so much plant life. Less than a miracle, but more than your everyday sight. It's kind of ironic in a way, but it is still a true recording of events, like "Night", so it impresses me.
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For some reason, I think a lot of people have used this quote before me, so [looks at Chuni's]...oh whoops! Gomen-nasai!
From page 87-89 in Hiroshima, Mr. Tanimoto’s letter to his American friend shows the cultural aspects and the arising community spirits within Japan. As the bomb fell upon the Japanese, they were first fearful about the sudden disastrous effects, however after the bombing, they realized what’s even scarier is the aftermath. The aftermath of the bomb includes radiation sickness, poor health care, skin diseases, fear, and also toppling buildings. Although the Japanese had suffered in great agony, however they can survive because of their belief towards the Tenno and the Japanese government, and not blaming on Tenno to cause the war. Their loss of the war against the Allies forces doesn’t affect their trust towards the Tenno, which they treated him as God in western countries. Despite all their sacrifices of the Japanese’s families and possessions, they don’t fret over their loss, however they were glad to consecrate their lives for the country they love. “ They died in silence, with no grudge, setting their teeth to bear it. All for out country!” We wouldn’t truly understand how the Japanese can be so courageous to die for their own country and their belief towards the Tenno.
I think it's good that the residents of Hiroshima are able to go back to a somewhat normal life after the disaster, and that after being affected by the radiation they were able to overcome their suffering and recover. However, what i think is more amazing is the way the bomb stimulated the plant growth. Does radiation cause plants to grow faster? Does it stimulate their metabolism? Does it mean that in the end, what is natural will prevail over what is man-made?
Also, the bomb tied the residents of Hiroshima together in their unanimous struggle to live on and resume their normal lives. Total strangers helped each other out, and in a strange way, the bomb seemed to bring people closer by destroying what kept them apart, things like buildings, roads, and such.
On page 64, "Some time later,in a ltetter to an American... and Japan started her own way."In the Japanese society, the emperor is equal to god so the citizens of Hiroshima were suprised because "God" was talking to them and normally, an emperor never broadcasts himself through radio. It was their first time to hear him speak and it was ironic because tenno was the one who started the war and to invade china.
I agree with Michael. The bomb definetly tied the resident of Hiroshima together in their unanimous struggle to live on and resume their normal lives. Since they had no other choice, strangers helped each other out and the explosion costed hundreds of buildings and it brought them closer.
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