Show Balling on Beaters

Often, the action that a character takes defines who they are. This statement is also fitting in Ishmael Chamber’s case. Ishmael kissed Hatsue at fourteen and discussed the controversy of their kiss could cause among the community inside a hollow tree. At this point in time Ishmael feels their relationship will work, but the arrival of war changed everything. After receiving a devastating letter from Hatsue and losing his arm in battle, Ishmael could …

…against Japanese in San Piedro. In addition to his realization, Ishmael finds the words in Hatsue’s letter that will convince him to reveal the notes. In the letter Hatsue writes, “Your heart is large and you are gentle and kind, and I know you will do great things in this world.”(442) By revealing the notes, Ishmael lives up to Hatsue’s estimation of his character, and redeems himself, as well as the entire community.