I saw Denise today in Geography class.

She was sitting on the other side of the room.

“You’re trying to start a war,” she said, “giving secrets

away to the Enemy. Why can’t you keep your big mouth shut?”

I didn’t know what to say.

I gave her a packet of tomato seeds

and asked her to plant them for me, told her

when the first tomato ripened

she’d miss me.

—“In Response to Executive Order 9066,”
Dwight Okita

As you finish the poem, record any details that relate to the topic of American identity.

Question

I saw Denise today in Geography class.

She was sitting on the other side of the room.

“You’re trying to start a war,” she said, “giving secrets

away to the Enemy. Why can’t you keep your big mouth shut?”

I didn’t know what to say.

I gave her a packet of tomato seeds

and asked her to plant them for me, told her

when the first tomato ripened

she’d miss me.

—“In Response to Executive Order 9066,”
Dwight Okita

As you finish the poem, record any details that relate to the topic of American identity.

Djdjdndn · Answer

its a typing answer

Djdjdndn · Answer

paragraph

rthrth · Answer

what time period is the excerpt from?

Djdjdndn · Answer

Lesson 6.7: Writing Workshop: Comparing Texts

rthrth · Answer

@rthrth wrote:

what time period is the excerpt from?

nvm, Executive Order 9066 authorized the relocation of people deemed a threat to the US. It resulted in tons of Japanese American internment camps during WW2.

Djdjdndn · Answer

thank u i gave u a medal

Joe348 · Answer

Some details that relate to the topic of American identity:

The lines about secrets, war, and keeping quiet can be seen as reflecting the complex nature of American identity during times of conflict and suspicion. The act of giving tomato seeds and the mention of the first tomato ripening might symbolize the hope for connection, friendship, and understanding amidst challenging circumstances.

Joe348 · Answer

@rthrth wrote:

what time period is the excerpt from?

nvm, Executive Order 9066 authorized the relocation of people deemed a threat to the US. It resulted in tons of Japanese American internment camps during WW2.

That has nothing to do with the question btw. It is asking you to elaborate on how this poem depicts an image of how it can relate to American Identity.

rthrth · Answer

@joe348 wrote:

@rthrth wrote:

what time period is the excerpt from?

nvm, Executive Order 9066 authorized the relocation of people deemed a threat to the US. It resulted in tons of Japanese American internment camps during WW2.

That has nothing to do with the question btw. It is asking you to elaborate on how this poem depicts an image of how it can relate to American Identity.

no, but it helps provide context

Imlookingforyouuu · Answer

thats a surprise .

toga · Answer

The poem "In Response to Executive Order 9066" by Dwight Okita is a powerful reflection on the theme of American identity. It highlights the fear and suspicion that existed in the United States during World War II towards Japanese Americans, who were interned in camps based on Executive Order 9066. The speaker in the poem struggles with the accusation of "giving secrets away to the Enemy" and the pressure to prove their loyalty to America. The act of giving tomato seeds to Denise symbolizes the speaker's connection to their homeland and their hope for a future beyond the internment camps. The poem presents a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by Japanese Americans during this dark period of American history and raises important questions about what it means to be American.