The Big Wave

How would you describe the tone of the novella? What does this tone contribute to the reader’s experience of the narrative?

Compare/contrast Kino’s father and the Old Gentleman. How do their similarities and differences contribute to either the plot or themes?

Consider this statement: “The body began to heal first, and Kino’s father, watching Jiya tenderly, knew that the body would heal the mind and soul” (30). How does it reflect the themes or philosophical underpinning of the novella?

How and why does the story personify the ocean? What other literary devices does Buck use to describe the ocean, and why are they important? Cite specific examples from the text in your answer.

What does the novella suggest about The Importance of Community in Japanese culture? In what ways does the novella demonstrate this?

Who is the Old Gentleman? What role does he play in the narrative and what does he represent? Why might Buck chosen not to give him a name? Explain using examples from the text.

Compare/contrast the three central buildings in the novel: Kino’s family’s farmhouse, the Old Gentleman’s castle, and Jiya’s house on the beach. How do these buildings represent the characters associated with them, their places in the community, and their approaches to life?

In what ways do the three major themes influence and interact with each other? For instance, how do the themes of impermanence and community influence the theme of resilience?