Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Principles Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

He'd have to make them understand, somehow. How could they not? Father was closed-minded, but knowing soldiers were herding thousands of people to an unknown destination, an unknown fate—that would change everything. How could they sit back and do nothing when this many people were being taken away—when they could be next? (26.63)

Sure, Henry's father has always had a thing against Japanese people, but even he can't approve of the mass evacuation… right? That's what Henry thinks until he brings up the subject to his father—and learns that they're on completely different sides. Oof.

Quote #5

A few blocks from home, Henry found the nearest trash can and threw his new button on the heap of overflowing garbage—broken bottles that couldn't be recycled for the war effort and hand-painted signs that forty-eight hours earlier were held up by cheering crowds in favor of the evacuation. (30.11)

Henry refuses to be like his father, who distances himself from the Japanese and cozies up to the same Americans who are harassing and attacking their Japanese American neighbors. He's not going to wear that American flag pin because he doesn't support the evacuation.

Quote #6

Henry scooped up a heaping spoonful of chicken and gravy, cocking his arm, eyeing Chaz's bony, apelike forehead. That was when he felt thick, sausage fingers wrap around his forearm, holding him back. He looked up, and Mrs. Beatty was standing behind him. She took the serving spoon from his hand and eyeballed Chaz. "Beat it. There's not enough food left," she said. (30.19)

Henry has never been sure if Mrs. Beatty is on his side or not, but when it really counts, she swoops in to save the day. She can't stand all the school bullies who pick on Henry and Keiko because they're Asian Americans.