G7-ENG-L4 The Ashes That Made Trees Bloom

What deeper theme does the treatment of the dog by the two couples represent?

• The importance of wealth
• The power of karma
• The value of kindness vs cruelty
• The unpredictability of life

How does the author's portrayal of the good old couple reflect Japanese cultural values?

• It emphasizes individualism
• It highlights the importance of material wealth
• It showcases the value of harmony with nature
• It promotes competitiveness

What literary device is used when the dog's spirit speaks to the old man in his dreams?

• Personification
• Simile
• Foreshadowing
• Alliteration

How does the transformation of rice into gold symbolize the reward for kindness?

• It doesn't - it's just magic
• It shows that kindness leads to material wealth
• It represents the spiritual richness gained from good deeds
• It indicates that kindness is rare and valuable

What might the withered trees blooming represent metaphorically?

• The cycle of seasons
• The power of nature
• The renewal of hope or second chances
• The unpredictability of magic

How does the story critique the behavior of the greedy neighbors?

• By making them wealthy
• Through direct moral statements
• By showing the negative consequences of their actions
• It doesn't critique their behavior

What role does the daimio play in the story's structure?

• He is the main antagonist
• He serves as a deus ex machina
• He represents societal judgment
• He is just a background character

How does the author use irony in the fate of the greedy neighbors?

• There is no irony in their fate
• They get exactly what they want
• Their attempt to copy the good couple leads to their downfall
• They become kind at the end

What might the ashes symbolize in the context of the story?

• Destruction
• Rebirth
• The cycle of life and death
• The power of belief

How does the story reflect the concept of cosmic justice?

• It doesn't - events are random
• Good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds punished
• Justice is served by human laws
• The concept of justice is questioned