A Single Shard is a novel that beautifully and artistically weaves a story about determination and survival. Tree-Ear, the main character, is determined to become a potter at any price. He gives his time and physical strength to honor Min and his pottery. I feel that Tree-Ear’s journey to deliver the precious inlayed vases is an example of a right of passage. Tree-Ear goes through a series of challenges. On some of his challenges he is very successful, such as the encounter with the fox. Once he faced his fear of the unknown, which was represented by the fox, he was able to move in a forward direction towards his goal. This experience prepared Tree-Ear for other challenges that he was bound to face on his expedition. The second obstacle that Tree-Ear faces is an encounter with robbers. At the beginning of this challenge it appears as if he has failed. Even when it appears he has failed, he was actually going through a complicated process of growing up. Tree-Ear began to fully understand the advice of Crane-Man. Tree-Ear was able to find courage in himself to continue his journey. I feel that his encounter with the robbers was a life changing experience. He went from being a passionate apprentice to a determined son by his bold action to keep moving on his long journey. If Tree-Ear’s journey had been any other way he would have not gained the experience that leads him to have the family he always wanted.
Purpose for Imaginative Literature
14 years ago
I like how you compared Tree-Ear from apprentice to son and his development between the two. I believe the overall intention is to show the evolution of Tree-Ear as a human. He comes to realize that he does indeed have a purpose and goal in life besides creating beautiful pottery. His overall mission to create a life for himself has changed into a life more about values than accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteHis journey did change him, he sacrificed all he had to get to show off Min's work. The fox and the robbers were learning experinces that he can use in the future. They made him a better person and gave him a family like you mentioned in your blog.
ReplyDeleteI also liked the mention of Tree-ear going from apprentice to son. I think this was important because it was not only Tree-ear that was benefiting from the apprenticeship, Min was as well. Tree-ear needed that fatherly figure in his life and to learn what a family feels like, just as Min needed a child to pass his legacy on to. His son has died and it took the duration of the apprenticeship for him to grow to be a compassionate human being again.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the idea of this story having something to do with a right of passage. Tree ear starts out one way and by the end of the book has completely transformed. He starts as an orphan living under a bridge and then must encounter these obstacles which make him grow. With each one he surpasses he gains knowledge and understanding of the world. That is in essence what a right of passage is. learning and understanding things that you have never encountered before. I think that Tree- ear does it beautifully and triumpantly.
ReplyDeleteI definitely see how this book was a growing up process for Tree Ear. We see him as focusing on the goal of becoming a potter, and only on that end goal. It is only until he faces these challenges that he learns the end goal is not always what counts, but how you get there. This is a good, strong message to send to children.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this book was a growing up experience for him. He starts out not knowing anything but but by end he has become more knowlegdable. He has gone through many challeges that makes him grow as an adult. Although the end result my not have been what he wanted he still tried to complete it with what he had.
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