Guiding question:

How does the climate of Japan influence the outcome of events in the novel?

Objectives:

• examine Uncle Teru's reasons for inviting both Yasuo and Shinji on the trip
• determine criteria for a hero or role model
• judge Shinji's role as a true hero

Background from chapter 14

A typhoon (common climatic condition in Japan) presents Shinji with an opportunity to demonstrate great physical courage to the captain and crew of Hatsue's father's freighter.

Procedures:

1. Students work in pairs to answer the following questions (4-5 minutes):

• What is your idea of a hero?
• What qualities are inherent in a hero?

2. Regroup as a whole class and first list on the board the qualities that a hero possesses, and then categorize and classify the responses (for example, "physical," "spiritual," etc.). (8-10 minutes)

3. Now discuss the following questions in groups of three (8-10 minutes):

• Why do you think Uncle Teru arranged to have both Shinji and Yasuo do an apprenticeship on his ship?
• What are Shinji's duties aboard the Utajima-Maru?
• What is the real purpose of the trip?
• What test of courage is offered to both Yasuo and Shinji?
• In what  way is Shinji's conflict with nature climatic and symbolic?

Application

Respond to the following questions in one, fully devloped paragraph (i.e, with references to the text) and submit your response below. You should write your response now in class and upload it by the end of the day today:

• Does Shinji live up to your initial definition of a hero?
• In what ways can a person be heroic without just showing physical courage or brute strength?
•  Do you know any heroes? Explain.