p4 TFTB Section 4 Discussion Board by Emily Davis

Samiksha

1886293 — 2025-03-20 14:44:53 UTC

How does the beach scene balance beauty and violence, and what does this suggest about Nao’s understanding of the world compared to Jiko?

Annie Sun PD 4

133832_6 — 2025-03-20 14:46:14 UTC

Do you think that in a way Nao feels like she has to take care of her father, especially as they go to the temple and he is reminded of his childhood?

Xinsu Lu

134049_6 — 2025-03-20 14:46:34 UTC

In this section, when Nao's father reaches the temple he says "Tadaima..." which is the Japanese phrase for "I'm home." Why do you think he says this? Does he see the temple as his home?

Abby

1320921 — 2025-03-20 14:46:51 UTC

Why do you think that Nao's father does not choose to stay with Jiko and Nao at the temple if he seemed so happy?

Lainey

2025-03-20 14:50:07 UTC

How does Nao's father's positive reaction to the temple ,despite him seeing Nao being visibly upset, affect how Nao see's her father?

Youssef E.

2025-03-20 14:53:36 UTC

Why do you think that Ruth tries meditating after learning about it from Nao? What does this show about Ruth?

Elizabeth Zhu

204692_6 — 2025-03-20 14:58:42 UTC

There seems to be a consistent motif of fish in the book, like how in this section on pg 180, Nao says "It’s the cold fish dying in your stomach feeling." Parts in previous sections where fish has popped up include when her mom found out about her getting bullied at school (pg 74), along with when Nao is talking about her name (pg 98). Do you think that there's any greater significance to this motif?

Mckenna Kupersmith

131043_7 — 2025-03-20 14:59:45 UTC

Do you think that Nao talking through her emotions will help her talk to her parents more?

Justin

2025-03-20 15:04:32 UTC

Do you think Nao's father would have stayed at the palace if Nao wasn't there?

April cheng

2025-03-20 15:04:40 UTC

Even though Nao is convinced her father will die, she's still scared that she'll come back from Jiko's temple, and her father will have already committed suicide. How does this demonstrate the complex relationship between them?

Kelly

2025-03-20 15:06:49 UTC

If Jiko never asks Nao “if she is angry”, do you think Nao will be able to truly see her emotions and confront them?

Elizabeth Zhu

204692_6 — 2025-03-20 15:19:20 UTC

On pages 182-183, Nao says zazen is like "coming home", and Jiko says that "zazen is to enter time completely". Do you think there's any greater meaning in this part? Does this mean anything in the sense of why Ruth would try out doing zazen on page 184?

Lynn Park

2025-03-20 15:21:37 UTC

How does Nao’s family history and Jiko’s teachings shape her understanding of sacrifice and resilience?