Handout 2A

​Handout 2A: Story Elements in Grandfather's Journey

Setting: The story primarily takes place in both Japan and the United States.

What does the character want in the story? He wants to explore the world and experience the beauty of different places while feeling a sense of belonging.

​What does the character want in the story? He wants to explore the world and experience the beauty of different places while feeling a sense of belonging.

Plot: What's the events of the story?​

Introduction in Japan: The story begins with the protagonist's grandfather living in Japan, expressing his love for his homeland's mountains and valleys.

Journey to America: Grandfather decides to travel to America, where he is captivated by the vast landscapes and bustling cities. He settles there for a while, finding love and starting a family.

Return to Japan: Grandfather misses Japan and returns, but the pull of America remains strong. He eventually returns to America, where the protagonist's father is born.

Conclusion: The story ends with the protagonist reflecting on his own experiences of longing for distant places, echoing his grandfather's sentiment of loving both Japan and America.

​Challenges: What makes it hard to get what the character wants?

He has a tough time feeling like he really belongs because he loves both Japan and America a lot. He feels torn between the two places, which makes it hard for him to decide where he fit in best.

How does the character succeed in getting what he wants or not getting what he wants?

He partially succeeds in finding a sense of belonging by appreciating the beauty of both Japan and America, despite not fully settling in either place.

​How does the characters feelings towards home and moving affect the events in the story?

His feelings about home and moving cause conflict as he try to find where he truly belongs between Japan and America.

​What is this story trying to teach us? The story teaches us about the complexity of identity and the appreciation of different cultures and places.

What key details from the story supports the central message?
The story's message is helped by the character loving both Japan and America and feeling unsure about where they fit best.