back to sound of waves

Lesson 10
The Sound of Waves:
The concept of a hero

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

Performance Objectives
Students will be able to:

• 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

Materials: The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima, Pedigree Press, a division of Putnam, 1956, chapter 14.

Teacher Background
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.

Procedure
Allow students 4-5 minutes to work in pairs and answer the following questions.

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

Brainstorm qualities and list on chalkboard. Categorize and classify student responses.

• 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? (Read pp.161-165 or pp.163-165)
• In what way is Shinji's conflict with nature climatic and symbolic?

Ask students to make a list of the career options available to village boys of 17 or 18. Compare these options with the opportunities available to you. Summarize major differences.

Application
Respond to the following questions in your literature log.

• 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.