The next week, Mr. Hattori returns to the house, hoping to win back his losses. He claims that he had a dream of a white snake, which is a sign of good luck in Japanese culture. He again leaves his family waiting in the car for hours, until the proprietress of the house, Mrs. Wu, comes out and offers them some cookies and firecrackers. She tells Mrs. Hattori that her husband will be out soon, but he does not appear until nightfall. He admits that he lost again, but tries to appease his wife by saying that he has enough money to buy some food for supper.
The third time Mr. Hattori goes to the house, he encounters trouble. The police raid the house and arrest some of the gamblers, while others flee or hide. A black man who was also gambling at the house jumps into the back of the Hattori's car and begs Mrs. Hattori to let him stay there until the coast is clear. She agrees, despite her fear and discomfort. Mr. Hattori manages to escape from the house without being caught, but he is shocked and enraged when he sees the black man in his car. He drives away with him, but drops him off after a mile. He then argues with his wife about letting a stranger into their car, using racial slurs to describe him.
The argument escalates when they get home, and Mr. Hattori beats his wife in front of their children. She suffers from broken ribs and has to get them taped at a hospital. They both regret their actions and feel ashamed of themselves.
After that incident, Mr. Hattori stops going to the brown house for a while, but he resumes his habit when the house reopens a few weeks later. He becomes addicted to gambling and neglects his family and work. He also becomes more violent and abusive towards his wife and children.
Analysis
The Brown House is a realistic portrayal of the struggles and conflicts that many Japanese Americans faced after World War II. The story shows how immigration, poverty, discrimination, and cultural differences affected their lives and relationships.
Immigration: The story depicts the challenges that Japanese immigrants faced in adapting to a new country and culture. Mr. Hattori is frustrated with his low social status and economic opportunities as a strawberry picker. He feels that he deserves more than what America has offered him. He tries to achieve the American dream of wealth and success by gambling at the brown house, but he only ends up losing more money and dignity.
Gambling: The story also explores the theme of gambling as a form of escapism and addiction. Mr. Hattori becomes obsessed with gambling as a way of coping with his dissatisfaction and boredom with his life. He believes that gambling can change his fate and make him happy. However, gambling only worsens his situation and causes him more problems.
Racism: The story exposes the racism that existed in America during that time period. The Japanese Americans are discriminated against by the white society because of their ethnicity and history. They are stereotyped as dishonest, untrustworthy, and inferior by some of their neighbors and employers. The Chinese Americans who run the gambling den are also looked down upon by the white society and the law. The black man who hides in the Hattori's car is another victim of racism. He is treated as a criminal and an outcast by the white police and the Japanese gamblers. Mr. Hattori himself is racist towards the black man, calling him derogatory names and blaming him for his troubles.
Domestic violence: The story illustrates the theme of domestic violence as a result of stress, anger, and frustration. Mr. Hattori vents his emotions on his wife and children, physically and verbally abusing them. He does not respect or love his wife, whom he married through an arranged marriage. He does not care about his children, whom he considers as burdens and nuisances. He does not communicate or bond with his family, preferring to spend his time at the brown house.
Family dynamics: The story portrays the theme of family dynamics among the Japanese American community. The story contrasts the Hattori family with the Wu family, who run the gambling den. The Wu family is more successful and prosperous than the Hattori family, despite being involved in an illegal business. They are also more friendly and hospitable, offering food and entertainment to their customers and guests. They seem to have a better relationship with each other and their children, who help them with their work. The Hattori family, on the other hand, is poor and unhappy. They are isolated and alienated from each other and their surroundings. They do not have any friends or relatives to support them or share their joys and sorrows.
The Brown House is a powerful and poignant story that reveals the harsh realities and complexities of being a Japanese American in post-war America. The story also reflects the author's own experiences as a Japanese American who lived through the internment camps during World War II and witnessed the discrimination and violence that her community faced. The story is a testament to Yamamoto's skill and sensitivity as a writer who can capture the human condition with honesty and empathy.
References
[âœThe Brown Houseâ Summary: Hisaye Yamamoto Short Story]
[Analysis Of The Brown House By Hisaye Yamamoto - bartleby]
[The Brown House Hisaye Yamamoto Summary - Yola]
[Hisaye Yamamoto - Wikipedia]
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