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A Single Shard

Linda Sue Park

152 Pages
2001

A Single Shard

Clarion Books

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A Single Shard - Summary

In medieval Korea, a 13-year-old orphan named Tree-ear navigates a transformative journey in a village renowned for its distinctive celadon pottery. Living beneath a bridge and surviving on scraps, he becomes captivated by the master potter Min's extraordinary craftsmanship. Through perseverance and an unwavering spirit, Tree-ear pursues his dream of learning the revered art of ceramics, facing numerous challenges that test his determination and character in this poignant tale of artistry, dedication, and personal growth.

Key Ideas

1

Artistic Perseverance and Dedication

Through Tree-ear's relentless pursuit of pottery craftsmanship, the narrative explores how passionate dedication to an art form can transcend social barriers and personal circumstances, highlighting the universal language of creative expression.

2

Mentor-Apprentice Relationships

The complex dynamic between Tree-ear and Master Min illustrates the transformative power of mentorship, showing how knowledge transfer goes beyond mere technical skills to encompass life lessons and personal development.

3

Honor and Resilience

The story demonstrates how maintaining one's integrity and persisting through adversity can lead to personal triumph, particularly through Tree-ear's dangerous journey to showcase Min's work to the royal court.

FAQ's

Celadon pottery represents not just a craft but a symbol of Korean cultural heritage and artistic excellence, serving as the medium through which Tree-ear discovers his purpose and connection to society.

His status as an orphan initially presents significant social and economic barriers, but ultimately demonstrates how talent and determination can overcome societal limitations and preconceptions.

The medieval Korean setting provides an authentic backdrop that highlights the importance of craftsmanship, social hierarchy, and artistic tradition in shaping individual destiny and community values.

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