THOUSAND CRANES: Part 1 1. Read the note on the tea ceremony in the preface.

A. Why can it be viewed as an extension of religion in Japan?

B. What significant juxtaposition concerning tea vessels does the editor point out as occurring in this novel?

2. Why has Kikuji decided to accept this invitation from Chikako when he has ignored the rest? What insights into his character might we glean from this?

3. What details of his very first meeting with Chikako has Kikuji never been able to put out of his mind? Under what circumstances did it happen?

4. In the conversation between his parents that Kikuji overhears some days later, his father is less than candid with his mother. Explain.

5. What particular aspect of having such a birthmark does his mother see as the major problem?

6. From what point of view is this novel written? Quote one line that shows that Kikuji seems to believe that the birthmark may have supernatural qualities.

7. As the novel begins, about how old is Kikuji?

8. With what object that she carries does Kikuji immediately begin to associate the Inamura girl?

9. What “complication” does Chikako mention? Why is it a complication?

10. Does Mrs. Ota behave as Kikuji anticipated that she would? Explain.

11. What physical differences and differences in manner does Kikuji note between the mother and the daughter?

12. Explain Kikuji’s thiinking when he concludes that Chikako is being tactless in bringing out the Oribe tea bowl.

13. What is Kikuji’s “logic” for claiming that it doesn’t matter that his father once owned the bowl? Does he believe what he says? How can you tell?

14. List the things that you know about the Inamura girl by the end of Chapter 1, part 3. Do any of them reflect her individuality?

15. Describe Kikuji’s emotions as the tea ceremony ends and the participants disperse.

16. What history of the relationship between Mr. Mitani and Fumiko does Mrs. Ota relate to Kikuji? Try to account for the girl’s change of heart toward Mr. Mitani.

17. After the intimacy between Mrs. Ota and Kikuji, he tells her two things that have the effect of destroying “the magic of the moment.” What are they? Why does he say them?

18. Describe Fumiko’s visit to Kikuji and explain the requests she makes of him.