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Lesson 2
The Sound of Waves:
The setting of the novel
( Chapter 1 &2)

Guiding Question: How has the geography of Japan influenced the economic choices and livelihood of the Japanese?

Performance Objectives
Students will be able to:

• identify major characters of the novel
• locate Utajima on a map of Japan
• create a product to illustrate the importance of the sea on the lives of the characters

Teacher Background
The Sound of Waves is set on a small island called Utajima which is located off the coast of the main island of Honshu. The vast majority of the inhabitants are fishermen and depend solely on the sea for their livelihood and survival. Geographically, Utajima, with its mountains and surrounding sea, can be viewed as a microcosm of all Japan.

Procedure
Hang map of Japan on board and ask students to locate Utajima on map using the opening paragraphs of the novel.

• What other important aspects of the setting are introduced to you in the opening pages? (Yashiro Shrine, mountain views)
• The first character introduced in the novel is the Lighthouse Watchman. Describe the importance of beginning with this character.
• How is Shinji introduced to the reader? What gift is he bringing?
• What other "mysterious" character is introduced in Chapter 1?
• In your own words, describe how the sea is physically and emotionally "Imprinted" on the characters? (p p. 6 - 8)

Allow students 5 minutes to work with a partner and locate at least 4 examples of sea imagery in chapters 1 and 2.

Application:
Students may do either activity:

1. The Sound of Waves is a very visual novel. Select a descriptive paragraph from Chapters 1 or 2 and recreate it in a drawing. Note the scene and describe why you chose it.
2. Create a dialogue between a fisherman from Utajima and yourself. Each of you will give two or three reasons why you would not want to trade places with the other.