Here's a brief plot summary:
* The story centers around the relationship between a young girl, "the child" (who is never named), and her grandmother, known as "the old woman." The child is struggling to adjust to life in America, feeling alienated from her classmates and yearning for her old life in Japan. The grandmother, a traditional woman who deeply misses her homeland, offers the child comfort and a sense of connection through the art of haiku.
* The old woman's dedication to haiku serves as a bridge between two worlds. She eagerly participates in a haiku contest, hoping to win a trip back to Japan. Despite her efforts and talent, she doesn't win. This disappointment, combined with the difficult realities of life as a Japanese American during wartime, leads to a growing sense of despair in the grandmother.
* The child's connection to the grandmother is tested by the war. She feels the weight of her grandmother's sadness, but struggles to understand her emotions. The child faces her own frustrations and anxieties, yearning for her old life and struggling to find her place in America.
* The story culminates in a powerful scene where the child finally understands her grandmother's pain. The grandmother, broken by her loss and isolation, dies suddenly. The child is left with a profound sense of loss and a newfound understanding of the depths of her grandmother's love and sorrow.
"Seventeen Syllables" explores themes of:
* Cultural identity: The characters struggle to reconcile their Japanese heritage with their American lives.
* Family relationships: The story depicts the complex and often unspoken bond between generations.
* Loss and grief: The characters grapple with the pain of displacement, loss of loved ones, and the hardships of war.
* The power of art: Haiku serves as a powerful form of expression, connection, and solace for the characters.
This story is a poignant and evocative glimpse into the lives of Japanese Americans during a time of great turmoil and change. It highlights the importance of family, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of art to offer comfort and connection.