How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Stop apologizing for asking questions!" the captain said. "How are you going to learn if you don't ask things? Ask all the questions you like whenever you like to whomever you like." The captain tipped Manjiro's chin up and looked him in the eye. "Do you understand?"
Manjiro began to bow, but the captain put his hand on his shoulder.
"One other thing," he said. "It is good to be respectful, but it would be well if you would stop that incessant bowing!" (2.4.27-29)
It's hard not to do an inner cheer for Captain Whitfield. Yeah, Manjiro has different cultural customs—like bowing—which should be respected, but Preus makes Manjiro's buddies so restrictive and uptight about his inquisitive mind that Captain Whitfield comes off like a hero just because he allows Manjiro to express himself.
Quote #5
Manjiro told the captain how two gods, Izanami and Izanagi, had created an island—his home—out of sweet-smelling mist and fog. Something like that was happening with their friendship, he thought. It was like a tranquil island in a stormy sea. (2.8.42)
Izanami, a goddess, and Izanagi, a god, wanted to mate, which was how they ended up creating an island. So… if we're supposed to take Manjiro at his word that "Something like that was happening with their friendship," what does Manjiro mean exactly? Does he view himself and the captain like Izanami and Izanagi? Are they together supposed to create some kind of new home from their bond? Something to think about…
Quote #6
Captain Whitfield pointed to the small island where the fishermen had been found, and then to another group of islands that lay to the northwest of that island. "Your home," he said.
"No!" The fishermen shook their heads.
"Our country is much, much bigger than that!" Denzo said.
Captain Whitfield smiled. "Perhaps since your country does not allow anyone in or out, they do not know the true size or shape of the world—even of their own country."
Manjiro did not translate that for the others, fearing it might anger them. (2.9.15-19)
Captain Whitfield may have a point: The Japanese maybe don't have the best perspective on their string of islands. But does he have to be so patronizing about it? He doesn't exactly come off as respectful here.