The Grasshopper and the Bell-Cricket

How would you describe the ideal of childhood presented in “The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket”? How does Kawabata evoke both the joy of childhood and the narrator’s irrevocable alienation from it?

The story is told by a nameless first-person narrator who is observing events from a distance. No background information or context on the narrator’s identity is provided. Based on the narrator’s interpretation of the events, what can you infer about him and his life experience? Use text from the story to support your theories.

How does the setting support the story’s concepts? Name specific examples of setting choices and analyze their symbolic meaning.

Kawabata employs juxtaposition throughout the plot structure. Highlight specific examples of juxtaposition and explain how contrast enhances clarity of meaning.

Name and discuss two examples of character foils in the story. What are their similarities and differences? How do their contrasts help instruct thematic concepts? What are their symbolic meanings?

How do names in the story support the theme of individualism versus conformity? Which character names are revealed, and who remains anonymous? How are names revealed? Analyze their significance.

Fujio uses his grasshopper to attract Kiyoko to him. Describe how he manipulates the interaction. How does this support the Coming of Age theme, specifically through the lens of how the narrator views what it means to grow up?

“The Grasshopper and the Bell Cricket” is an allegory, relying on multiple symbols to convey conceptual ideas. Choose four key symbols. First discuss their deeper meaning, then explain how they support a theme.