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Lesson 1 (from The Sound of the Mountain and The Wings of the Locust)

Objective

"The Sound of the Mountain" was written by Yasunari Kawabata. The objective of this lesson is to discuss the author and his writing.

Lesson

1) Research: Read biographical information about Yasunari Kawabata. When and where was Kawabata born? Where did Kawabata grow up? What was Kawabata's life like growing up? Did he live in an area similar to that described in the novel? How was he educated? When did he begin writing? What other jobs did he have? How did he die? Why is there a controversy surrounding his death?

2) Class Discussion: What losses did Kawabata experience in his life? How did those losses affect his writing? Why did Kawabata feel emotional insecurity? How was insecurity a part of his writing? Why did Kawabata feel that World War II was a great influence upon his work? What else did Kawabata feel influenced his writings?

3) Partner Discussion: What...

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