p6TFTB Section 4 Discussion Board by Emily Davis

1327014 — 2025-03-20 16:23:11 UTC

“Think not-thinking. How do you think not-thinking? Nonthinking. This is the essential art of zazen” (183). How do you think Nao internalizes this, and what does it mean?

Sherry Zhang

126200_3 — 2025-03-20 16:25:56 UTC

Much like Schrödinger’s cat, Nao's existence is always in a state of uncertainty to Ruth as she tries not to "read ahead" in Nao's diary. How does this affect how we interpret the novel and Ruth's impact on Nao's life?

2025-03-20 16:26:15 UTC

To what extent does Jiko influence Nao positively? On the contrary, how do her parents do the opposite?

Esther Park

10077434 — 2025-03-20 16:30:14 UTC

Ruth implies that she feels much more present and alive when she's not spending her entire day overwhelmed with thoughts and stuck at the computer. Does this imply that Nao's diary is more of a setback for Ruth rather than helping her grow?

2025-03-20 16:31:53 UTC

In regards to how Jiko and Nao interact, how do they mutually benefit from their relationship? Are there negative aspects to their relationship?

127266 — 2025-03-20 16:35:32 UTC

It seems that Jiko always gives helpful advice and guidance to Nao to help her get through hard times in her life but does Nao reciprocate this in any way?

2025-03-20 16:36:30 UTC

How was Nao's father's attitude drastically different at the temple compared to in Tokyo?

Cayla Schwartz

2025-03-20 16:38:45 UTC

How does Ruth's inability to accomplish her ideal state of "drifting" from herself in zazen meditation reflect her as a character, and the concept of drifting as it presents itself in her life? Further, why is she attempting to reach a state of 'drifting," when she already struggles as her conscious self to stay grounded in the present?

Sherry Zhang

126200_3 — 2025-03-20 16:41:26 UTC

When Nao gets hungry for sweet grilled eel bento, she is suddenly reminded of the day her dad led them on to celebrate his new job and instead orders an egg sandwich. Does it seem like she wants to avoid the problems at hand? It can also be noted that the egg sandwich represents America and the eel bento Japan, so does that indicate something deeper?

Daniel Walker

2025-03-20 16:46:56 UTC

What do you think the lack of reaction of Nao's father when she cries in the beginning of this section means? Does he still love her? What does this have to do with his declining mental state?

Daksh Badri

1322351 — 2025-03-20 16:50:07 UTC

How does Haruki #1's experiences and secret letters to his son affect Nao's understanding of her father and his struggles?

Christian Smithson

2025-03-20 16:51:32 UTC

I find it interesting how the parallels between Ruth and Nao have switched. Nao now seems to have become calmer and more mature, while Ruth has become slightly aloof and lost. What do you think Ozeki is trying to communicate?