suffering
Barefoot Gen Vol. 1 Study Guide
Written by Robyn Chapman Barefoot Gen Vol. 1 by Keiji NakazawaA Study Guide by Robyn Chapman1. Gen is a Japanese name meaning “root” or “source.” Nakazawa stated, “I named my main character Gen in the hope that he would become a root or source of strength for a new generation, one that can tread the charred soil of Hiroshima barefoot, feel the earth beneath its feet, and have the strength to say ‘NO’ to nuclear weapons.” How do you feel Barefoot Gen stands up as a protest novel against war and nuclear proliferation?