Who are the samurai? How does Papa’s position as the oldest son help explain his arrogance? Why does Papa leave Japan to seek his fortune in America?2

The samurai were Japanese soldiers. Papa's family once owned more land than you could ride across with a horse in a single day, at least that's what the samurai class bragged. It was expected that Papa would go into the military, but he left Japan at seventeen and never again contacted his family. Papa's arrogance can be blamed on his position as oldest son. He was spoiled, used to having his own way, and an idealist.