Relationship Between Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet

Connections and experiences greatly influence a person’s ultimate character. There is no question whether people’s involvement in others’ lives impacts their attitudes, values, and overall personality. The novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, written by Jamie Ford, displays an excellent example of outsiders’ impact on a person’s life through the main character, Henry. He is directly influenced by characters such as his Father, Keiko, and his son Marty. The characters listed offer him many contrasting experiences, but all are vital parts of the creation of his character. Henry’s involvement in certain relationships throughout his life shaped him into the man he has ultimately become.
First, Henry’s character is directly connected

She offered him a glimpse of hope offered as a separate relationship outside of his immediate family. They are drawn together through mutual challenges that they face due to their Asian descent. Both viewing each other as equal individuals, they eventually grow a mutual appreciation for one another. The appreciative friendship they share ultimately results in a loving bond that lasts a lifetime. Henry, specifically, loves Keiko to the point that he never ceases to remember the incomparable significance she has held in his life. Henry’s recollection of Keiko remains intact throughout his whole life as he confesses in the following

He could remember a bit of the chorus, but its melody had escaped. Yet he couldn’t forget her, couldn’t forget Keiko. And how he’d once told her he’d wait a lifetime. Every summer he’d thought of her but never spoke of her to anyone, not even Ethel. And of course, telling Marty had been out of the question. So when his impetuous son had wanted so badly to go to the Puyallup Fair each year, and Henry had said no, there was a reason. A painful reason. (275)
Henry’s memories of Keiko, although painful, continued to be a glimmer of light through all the dark adversity he faced throughout his lifetime. Keiko’s impact on Henry’s character ultimately results in him being full of life, hopeful, and teeming with unforgettable memories. His thoughtfulness and love towards others carried over to relationships he would develop further on in