When The Emperor Was Divine Read Aloud, Part 7

When the Emperor Was Divine: A Dream of Water

The Boy's Nightmares and Memories

• The boy wakes up crying, confused about his surroundings, feeling a hand on his shoulder from his sister who reassures him it’s just a bad dream.

• He struggles to remember how long he has been in the desert and worries he might have done something wrong that led to their situation.

• His mind races with potential past mistakes, from minor mischief like chewing pencil erasers to more significant actions like flushing a pet goldfish down the toilet.

• He dreams of waking up to his father cooking breakfast, indicating a longing for normalcy and family life before their current predicament.

Life in the Desert

• The boy's sister describes their environment, emphasizing the isolation of the desert and its features such as dry riverbeds and distant mountains.

• She shares tales of Delta, a nearby town where they could buy oranges and enjoy shaded areas—contrasting sharply with their current barren surroundings.

• She recounts historical details about ancient Salt Lake covering parts of Utah during the Ice Age, highlighting how drastically things have changed over time.

Dreams of Water

• The boy dreams vividly about water—an endless supply that contrasts with their dry reality—symbolizing hope and longing for freedom.

• He imagines drifting through calm waters filled with fish while looking up at a distant sun, representing an escape from confinement.

Letters from Papa

• Tattered letters arrive from Lordsburg, New Mexico; some are censored or incomplete but still convey messages of love from their father.

• His father's descriptions paint a picture of life there: beautiful sunsets but lacking trees—a stark contrast to what they experience now.

Daily Life Under Restrictions

• The boy reflects on his interests in baseball and outlaws while noting changes in family dynamics due to their circumstances.

• He keeps a pet tortoise as companionship but feels isolated without friends; he marks its shell with his family's identification number as a reminder of identity amidst displacement.

Emperor Worship and Family Dynamics

The Setting of Lordsburg

• The girl mentions that in Lordsburg, emperor worshiping Shinto is accepted; the sky is always blue, and the environment feels open with low fences.

• At night, they can see stars, while during the day, eagles are present. This creates a sense of freedom and connection to nature.

Father-Son Relationship

• The boy describes his father as a small, handsome man with delicate hands and a notable scar on his index finger that he used to kiss as a child.

• His father is characterized by politeness; he closes doors softly and is punctual. He enjoys simple pleasures like pistachio nuts and believes fruit juice is ideal.

Father's Interests and Knowledge

• The father reads the newspaper daily and possesses knowledge about various topics, including health-related questions from the boy.

• He provides comfort regarding Kitty Mackenzie’s fate after her iron lung treatment, suggesting she has moved on to a better place.

Mother's Care Routine

• The mother expresses concern over aging due to her skincare routine involving rationed cream bought before leaving Berkeley.

• She reflects on her appearance in front of the mirror, indicating insecurities about aging while tracing lines on her face.

Life in Dusty Surroundings

• The boy recalls how dust permeates their living space—soft yet irritating—and how it affects their daily lives.

• His mother often sweeps up dust but longs for modern conveniences like an Electrolux vacuum cleaner.

Childhood Memories and Comfort

• The father affectionately calls the boy various nicknames like "little guy" or "gumdrop," providing emotional support during nightmares.

• Dusk brings moments of bonding between siblings as they explore their surroundings together while observing nature's beauty.

Reflections on Home Life

• During walks at dusk, they discuss what life might be like back home—imagining tree-lined streets filled with families enjoying time together.

Provo's Experience Picking Peaches and Pears

Discrimination and Hardships Faced

• Workers returning from Provo experienced significant discrimination, with some recounting being shot at, spat on, and denied entry to local establishments due to signs stating "No Japs allowed."

• The contrast in experiences is highlighted by the new shoes some wore upon return versus those who vowed never to return after their negative experiences.

Nostalgia and Connection to Family

• A character reflects on his father's shoes, symbolizing a connection to family; he recalls the smell of his father lingering on them just a week prior.

• As he lays in bed, he wonders about his father's nightly routine, indicating a longing for familial closeness despite physical separation.

Contemplation of Shared Experiences

• The character muses about the moon's visibility across different locations (Lordsburg, London, China), suggesting a shared human experience regardless of distance or circumstance.

Memories of Home

• Vivid memories of home are recounted: an old room adorned with maps and comic books, showcasing childhood innocence amidst turmoil.