a single shard crane man quotes

A Single Shard: Insights from the Crane Man

The novel, A Single Shard written by Linda Sue Park is a beautiful story set in 12th-century Korea that revolves around a young orphan boy named Tree-ear, his dreams, and his journey towards becoming a potter. Throughout the novel, there is a wise, elderly character known as the Crane Man, who offers many pearls of wisdom to Tree-ear. In this article, we will delve into the quotes of the Crane Man and what they convey to us as readers.

The Mindset of a Wanderer

The Crane Man was a wanderer who lived under a bridge and spent most of his time with nature in the hills above the village. He teaches Tree-ear the importance of self-motivation, determination, and perseverance. One of his most famous quotes is “A wanderer’s compass is his stomach,” which means that a person who travels must always be prepared for any situation, especially when it comes to food. The quote also teaches us the importance of being self-reliant and always being ready to take on new challenges.

Appreciating the Simple Things in Life

The Crane Man also teaches Tree-ear about the true beauty of life and how to appreciate the simplest things. He says, “A good potter knows what he takes from the earth and what he returns.” This quote is significant in the novel because it highlights how Tree-ear learns about the intricate process of pottery-making and how it is tied to nature. The Crane Man is trying to impart the message that we must be appreciative of what nature gives us and that we should give back to nature in any way possible.

Perseverance despite Difficulty

One of the central themes of A Single Shard is perseverance. Tree-ear is determined to become a potter, but he has to overcome many obstacles along the way. It is the Crane Man who teaches him that perseverance is the key to success. The Crane Man says, “Your mind knows that you are going to learn how to throw clay sooner or later; your body, however, does not believe it.” This quote beautifully sums up how the mind can be determined and convinced, but sometimes it takes a while for the body to catch up. It teaches us that failure is inevitable, but it is our ability to get back up and keep trying that makes all the difference.

Humanity’s Connection to Nature

The Crane Man is also a character who highlights the connection between humans and nature. He lives in nature, understands it, and teaches Tree-ear how to respect it, live with it, and use it for survival. His quote, “One kind word can warm three winter months,” shows Tree-ear that nature responds to humanity's kindness and love, and that it is up to us as humans to maintain this connection with nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Crane Man is a character who brings a wide range of perspectives into the novel. His wisdom and words of encouragement bring hope to Tree-ear and guide him on his journey towards his dream. His teachings about self-motivation, appreciation of the simple things in life, perseverance, and respecting nature are all valuable lessons that we can apply in our own lives. The Crane Man’s contribution to A Single Shard cannot be overlooked, and we can learn a lot from his quotes and his character as a whole.