"It's not my fault you lost your son, not my fault I'm an orphan! Why must it be father to son? If the pot is made well, does it matter whose son made it?"
A Single Shard is an engaging story about a 12th century Korean boy of twelve who is trying to find his way in life. The boy called Tree-ear does not have a comfortable home and lifestyle, and sheer survival is an issue he faces daily. Although an orphan, he is fortunate enough to have a father-son relationship with the elderly Crane-man, who has taken care of Tree-ear since he was a young child. I really liked the way Park depicted the relationship between these two down-and-outers.
Crane-man provides for Tree-ears basic needs such as food and shelter and gives him instruction and advice about life. Tree-ear obviously loves and respect the old man. In spite of the fact that Tree-ear and Crane-man live under a bridge and share any small amounts of food they are able to beg or gather, Tree-ear seems content with his life to a certain extent. They both have positive attitudes, support each other, and make each other laugh. Tree-ear does the best he can in his situation and has actually come to appreciate his lowly status. Tree-ear recognizes that Crane-man sacrifices a great deal for him and ponders to himself that it seemed his friend spent the entire day figuring out how to transform a handful of weeks and bones into something that resembled a meal. Crane-man is a great example of sacrificial love in the way he deals with Tree-ear. And Tree-ear longs to somehow give him something in return.
Although Tree-ear is a poor, homeless orphan, he is obviously bright and has the potential to accomplish much, if only given the opportunity. After secretly watching the villages most talented potter, Tree-ear develops a growing desire to learn the skill of pottery-making and wants to make a beautiful vase himself. He is by nature a motivated, determined, and clever boy, and he is able to persuade Min to teach him his art. Tree-ear works diligently, even when the potter neither encourages nor helps him. He is always respectful and submissive to authority, which is a reflection of the Korean culture. While Min isnt physically abusive, he never offers Tree-ear the positive feedback or patient instruction that a trainee needs from his master-teacher. But when Min is requested to make and bring samples of his fine pottery work to the court of the king, Tree-ear is assigned the task of making the journey to deliver the vases.
To read the rest of my review, visit www.ImAllBooked.com
A Single Shard is an engaging story about a 12th century Korean boy of twelve who is trying to find his way in life. The boy called Tree-ear does not have a comfortable home and lifestyle, and sheer survival is an issue he faces daily. Although an orphan, he is fortunate enough to have a father-son relationship with the elderly Crane-man, who has taken care of Tree-ear since he was a young child. I really liked the way Park depicted the relationship between these two down-and-outers.
Crane-man provides for Tree-ears basic needs such as food and shelter and gives him instruction and advice about life. Tree-ear obviously loves and respect the old man. In spite of the fact that Tree-ear and Crane-man live under a bridge and share any small amounts of food they are able to beg or gather, Tree-ear seems content with his life to a certain extent. They both have positive attitudes, support each other, and make each other laugh. Tree-ear does the best he can in his situation and has actually come to appreciate his lowly status. Tree-ear recognizes that Crane-man sacrifices a great deal for him and ponders to himself that it seemed his friend spent the entire day figuring out how to transform a handful of weeks and bones into something that resembled a meal. Crane-man is a great example of sacrificial love in the way he deals with Tree-ear. And Tree-ear longs to somehow give him something in return.
Although Tree-ear is a poor, homeless orphan, he is obviously bright and has the potential to accomplish much, if only given the opportunity. After secretly watching the villages most talented potter, Tree-ear develops a growing desire to learn the skill of pottery-making and wants to make a beautiful vase himself. He is by nature a motivated, determined, and clever boy, and he is able to persuade Min to teach him his art. Tree-ear works diligently, even when the potter neither encourages nor helps him. He is always respectful and submissive to authority, which is a reflection of the Korean culture. While Min isnt physically abusive, he never offers Tree-ear the positive feedback or patient instruction that a trainee needs from his master-teacher. But when Min is requested to make and bring samples of his fine pottery work to the court of the king, Tree-ear is assigned the task of making the journey to deliver the vases.
To read the rest of my review, visit www.ImAllBooked.com
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