Character Analysis
Who is the main character in "The Seventh Man"
The Seventh Man
What is the central theme of "The Seventh Man"?
The impact of feat and the journey to overcome it.
What type of story structure does "The Seventh Man" use?
It uses and frame story structure.
What natural disaster is central to "The Seventh man"?
A typhoon and a subsequent tsunami wave
Why might the reader feel sympathy for the Seventh Man?
He has suffered guilt and fear over losing his friend, K., which has affected his entire life.
How does the the Seventh Man's guilt affect his life?
His guilt causes him to live in fear and isolation. impacting his relationships and well-being.
What internal conflict doe the Seventh Man face throughout the story?
He struggles with guilt and fear stemming from the death of his friend, K.
Why is the frame story structure effective for this narrative?
It allows the Seventh Man (protagonist) to reflect on his past and adds a layer of depth to his traumatic experience.
What does the wave symbolize in the story?
It symbolizes fear, trauma, and the uncontrollable forces in life.
Provide and argument for why the Seventh Man was not to blame for K.'s death.
He wanted K. to run from the wave, and it was an uncontrollable natural event that took K.'s life.
Describe the Seventh Man's feelings toward his friend K.
He feels a deep sense of guilt and responsibility for K.'s death, which haunts him for years
How does Murakami depict the theme of trauma in the story?
Through the Seventh Man's ongoing struggle to cope with the traumatic memory of K.'s death and the fear it causes
How does Maruakami create suspense in the story?
Through vivid descriptions of the wave and the Seventh' Man's emotions, as well as the gradual revelation of K.'s fate.
How does Murakami use the setting to reflect the Seventh Man's inner confusion?
The stormy, violent setting resembles the Seventh Man's fear and emotional conflict
Construct an argument about the role of guilt in shaping the Seventh Man's life.
The Seventh Man's guilt prevents him from moving on and affects his relationships, showing how powerful guilt can be in shaping a person's life.
Why does the Seventh Man decide to tell his story to others?
He shares his story in an effort to confront his trauma and possibly help others overcome their fears.
How does nature play a role in the story's central conflict?
The wave (a natural disaster) represents an uncontrollable force that leads to K.'s death and the Seventh Man's lifelong fear
What purpose does the flashback serve in the structure of the story?
The flashback provides context to the Seventh Man's fear and helps readers understand the roots of his trauma
What does the Seventh Man return to the sea later in life?
To confront his fear and begin the process of healing.
Should the Seventh Man have returned to face the sea? Why or why not?
yes, because returning to the sea symbolizes facing his fear and important to overcome his trauma
How does the Seventh Man's perception of fear change by the end of the story?
He realizes that facing his fear is the only way to free himself from it, allowing his to find peace.
Argue whether the Seventh Man overcomes his conflict by the end of the story.
Yes, he begins to face his fear, showing progress toward overcoming his internal conflict
How does the return to the frame at the end of the story impact the readers' understanding of the Seventh Man?
It shows that he is ready to confront his past, signaling a step toward healing.
How does the setting change from past to present impact the story's tone?
The story shifts from a tense, fearful tone in the past to a more reflective, peaceful tone in the present.
Argue whether "The Seventh Man" suggests that facing one's fears is necessary for healing.
The story implies that facing fears is essential for healing, as the Seventh Man's return to the sea is the first step in getting peace