Literary Devices & Author’s Craft
The point of view used in both texts (the narrator uses “I” throughout).
What is first-person point of view?
One clear similarity between the university student in Kokoro and 18-year-old David.
What is both face a high-stakes requirement they are afraid of failing (thesis deadline / swim test)?
Both the student in Kokoro and young David Robinson experience intense pressure from a major requirement. Name one shared emotion they feel toward their challenge.
What is fear / panic / despair / worry about failing (thesis deadline vs. swim test)?
The device in Kokoro paragraph 3 when the narrator suddenly remembers what Sensei’s wife once told him.
What is flashback?
Both young men receive guidance or inspiration from older male figures.
What are Sensei (Kokoro) and the father/grandfather/self ?
A key similarity in how both young men respond to difficulty is shown by the student's "bloodshot eyes" work and David's advice to "practice every day."
What is persistent hard work / diligence / preparation despite setbacks?
The figure of speech in Kokoro: “my thesis hung over me like a curse.”
What is simile?
A theme supported by both texts: the student’s “madman” work and David’s advice about the dictionary and piano.
What is the importance of preparation and hard work / diligence?
Both texts feature an older figure who influences the younger one: Sensei in Kokoro and the grandfather/father in the letter. One main difference in their guidance style.
What is Sensei refuses further help and withdraws while the grandfather/father actively teaches and demands preparation (dictionary, piano, integrity)?
The format of the David Robinson text, which begins “Dear 18-year-old David.”
What is a letter (or direct address / epistolary form)?
How the narrator’s view of Sensei at the end of the conversation is similar to David’s advice after failing the swim test.
What is neither is overly impressed or devastated—both show calm acceptance and continued effort?
The older David Robinson repeatedly urges his younger self to ask, "Why am I doing this?" If the narrator from Kokoro heard this question during his thesis crisis, he would most likely respond by thinking about...
What is his future graduation, his topic related to Sensei's field, or proving himself / avoiding failure (rather than family legacy or long-term growth)?
How the letter reveals future events to the younger self (“you will be drafted… you will sign…”).
What is foreshadowing (from the future perspective)?
Using evidence from both texts, the shared central message about facing challenges.
What is self-reflection (“Why am I doing this?”) combined with family/mentor influence and daily preparation leads to growth and resilience?
Natsume Soseki, through Sensei's calm acceptance of being "old and decrepit" and no longer chasing books for self-improvement, emphasizes themes of isolation and the limits of knowledge in the modern age. How might Soseki view David Robinson's strong belief in lifelong preparation ("brick by brick," saving the million, building for the next generation)?
What is he might see it as a hopeful but perhaps overly optimistic contrast to modern loneliness / egoism, or admire the family-driven purpose that counters isolation?