Clue #4

1) Who is a “character” in your life you admire? Why do you admire this person?

Although we’re not part of the closest granddaughter-grandfather relationship, I know my grandfather enough that I admire him. Out of curiosity, I asked my parents about whom my grandfather was. Not just the details on the surface, but his life story. Where did he live? What significant events did he go through when he was young? My grandfather actually spent his younger years in Japan. In Japan, he alone raised his younger siblings. He had to work and miss school, in order to support the rest of his family. He had earned enough money to send his younger brothers to college, but not himself. Now that’s pretty impressive. My grandfather could’ve gone to college himself, but he was willing to sacrifice his own education for his brothers. Fortunately, my grandfather’s story doesn’t just die there. He goes back to Korea and gets married. Without any college degree, he managed to get a job and eventually started his own business and even owns some buildings in Seoul! Of course, my grandfather’s retired now, but he still owns the buildings (some he sold). My grandfather is a really hard-working, caring and loving person. He is always an inspiration to me whenever I’m feeling down and I’ll always be proud to call him my grandfather!

1) What specific clues can setting reveal about the theme of a short story?

The setting of the story can reveal the theme of a story. Let’s say for instance a story takes place in Africa. We could conclude (if relevant) that the theme of the story is poverty. This isn’t always the case, for the setting can be pretty vague, but in some stories, the theme could be somewhere hidden in the setting.

2) How does an author drop clues about characters and how their actions lead you to the theme of a story?

The author can describe the struggles the character is going through (conflicts) and how they are dealing with it to show clues about the theme of a story. The character’s background, internal struggle, past conflicts and description can all be hints to the theme. If you can carefully identify the details of the character’s and their actions, you can pick up clues about the theme.

3) What is the strongest setting you have ever encountered in your own life. Describe this place and ponder if God revealed anything about Himself or his truth in this place.

A couple summers ago, I visited Korea and for the first time in my life, I went the country, rugged, poor side of Seoul. I have never seen a place so dirty and poor before. It almost felt as if I were in Africa. The children wore dirty, ripped clothes and the “houses” were like unstable shacks that looked as if it were to fall any second. I was a complete shock and felt this wave of guilt pass by me. The impact it left of me was huge. Even hours after leaving that place, I couldn’t seem to get my mind off of it. As cheesy as this may sound, I sincerely felt blessed and thankful.