Topic 1

What is the significance of Junpei’s bug collecting in the beginning of the novel? What does it signify when he doesn’t look at the bug crawling on his leg near the end?

Topic 2

How does his relationship with the woman change or evolve, and how does that affect his view of the village?

Topic 3

What prompts him to understand the village’s customs and way of living?

Topic 4

Why does he ultimately decide to stay in the sand hole, and how has his idea of ‘worthwhile work’ changed?

Topic 5

How does the sand work as a destructive force? Does it create positive outcomes, too?

Topic 6

Why does the woman respond to his comment about endangering human lives with the question, “Why should we worry what happens to others?”

Topic 7

Why do Junpei’s relatives and wife not send out a search party for him...