(IMPORTANT Update: New part to the book assignment- write about one character.(does not have to be favorite character))
A Single Shard
By: Linda Sue Park
Main Characters: Crane-man, Min, Tree-ear
Summary: An orphan in Korea named Tree-ear lived with his friend, Crane-man under a bridge that was in the town called Ch'ulp'o. Ch'ulp'o is known for the potters in the town who make beautiful celadon ware. Tree-ear is intrigued by the work of one of the best potters in the village, Min. Tree-ear keeps on watching Min working on pots. Tree-ear accidentally breaks one of Min's creations. Instead of paying Min, Tree-ear offers to work for Min. Min makes Tree-ear cut wood, and dig up clay but never actually pottery. After Tree-ear worked for the broken creation, he asks Min if he could keep on working. Tree-ear asks Min why Min can't teach him pottery, Min grows angry and says that potters only teach their son pottery. In rage, Min says that his only son, Hyun-gu One day, out of curiosity, Tree-ear follows another potter, Kang, whose skill is not as great as Min's but is decent. Tree-ear spy's on this potter and sees that Kang had developed a whole new style that is quite beautiful. It is an inlay design. Tree-ear knows not to tell Min. If you were chosen for the royal commission, your work would be sent to the king. Getting the royal commission was Min's life's desire. Tree-ear knows that Kang's new style will definitely get him the royal commission. After the emissary comes to look at all the potters' works. He looks longest at Kang's new design and Min's beautiful work. After choosing Kang for the royal commission, the emissary who admired Min's work, gave him a second chance to make something with the new design. Tree-ear is sent on a mission to go to Songdo, a town far away from Ch'ulp'o. Tree-ear is attacked by robbers on the way and Min's work is flung over a cliff. Tree-ear is horrified and goes down the cliff to find small pieces of the celadon. The largest shard is the size of his palm. Tree-ear is determined to deliver this single shard (title) to the emissary. The emissary admires even this small piece of work and immediately orders for the royal commission to be for Min. Min finally decides to teach Tree-ear pottery and treat him like a son. While Tree-ear was on the trip, Crane-man had died because he had fell into the river when a man crossed the bridge. Min's wife gives Tree-ear a new name, Hyun-Pil.
1. line
2. There are always consequences for actions, whether the consequence is good or bad.
3. Crane-man: Wise, caring, proud
Min: Proud, sad, hard-working
Tree-ear: hopeful, brave, determined
3a. (look at the update)
I think Tree-ear is a rather determined person. Even in the beginningIf I were in his situation, where the pot was smashed by robbers and I was throwing up all over the place, I wouldn't have gone down the cliff with hope to check if they really were smashed like Tree-ear did. I would of mourned for the pots. Tree-ear thought of jumping off the cliff. But he didn't. I think that it is possible that I might of(if I was Tree-ear), because in Tree-ear's position, there was no easy way out of this situation. I wouldn't have been surprised if Tree-ear actually took a leap of faith. Tree-ear went down with hope that I don't know how he got and he found the biggest piece and decided to take it to the emissary. I think that took a LOT of determination and courage. Think about the things that could happen. What if you were rejected or accused of stealing your master's (Min's) pots by the emissary? Tree-ear was brave.
4. The scene in which Min explains to Tree-ear how Crane-man died was very memorable. It was very sad, a farmer crossed the bridge and Crane-man was pushed into the cold water. The shock was too great for his heart and he died. When Crane-man's body was found, he was clutching the small monkey that Tree-ear had made him. (Note: Crane man had one good leg and the other leg was broken) Then Tree-ear said, "Wherever you are now, I hope you are walking on two good legs." and he cried.
This was a strong sign of friendship between Tree-ear and Crane-man, I noted that Crane-man called Tree-ear little monkey a lot: Crane-man was clutching the monkey (Also in the end of the book is a small note by the author that talks about a inlay celadon pottery that an unknown maker known as the "Thousand Cranes Vase" It was dated during the time of Tree-ear! I think the author is saying that Tree-ear made (although I know it is not true) the celadon pot)
5. The author is trying to tell you to never give up. Tree-ear didn't give up even when all the pots were shattered all over the floor. Min didn't give up when his inlay design didn't come out right. Crane-man didn't give up when his newly made sandals for Tree-ear didn't fit. So don't give up!
6. I would rate this book a 10 because I really liked the ending. (Meaning the small note at the end. Look at 4.) I also liked the plot.
7.
Beginning: Tree-ear begins to work for Min.
Middle: Tree-ear is sent on a mission to deliver the pots and they are smashed by robbed.
Ending: Min gets the royal commission and Tree-ear is treated as his son, meaning he will learn pottery.
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