1. Sign of the Chrysanthemum by Katherine Paterson
Day 8
Discuss Chapters 16-18

2. Question 1
How does Muna live after running away from Fukuji and burying the sword in the mountains? How long does he live like this?
Muna is a creature of the gate a homeless beggar. He is there for several months from summer to winter. Pg

3. What is the political event that takes place in the winter?
Question 2
What is the political event that takes place in the winter?
In a coup d’etat the Genji take the emperor prisoner and roam the city waiting for the Heiki to strike back.
Pg. 104

4. What does Muna see that prompts him to go and dig up the sword?
Question 3
What does Muna see that prompts him to go and dig up the sword?
Muna sees the wood cutter talking to Genji samurai and he is afraid the wood cutter will lead them to the sword.
Top of pg. 120

5. Question 4 Why does Muna take the sword back to Fukuji?
To keep the Genji warriors from taking it. So it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. He felt guilty and is trying to do the right thing.
Pg. 121, 123

6. Question 5
When Muna could finally choose his own name, why did he decide not to change it?
Pg Muna decides that he is who he is and no other name would change that

7. Question 6
What did Fukuji do that showed Muna he was now his apprentice?
Pg. 132 Fukuji cut off Muna’s hair

8. Question 7 Did Muna ever find his father? How do you know?
No, because Muna gave up on his dream of a father. (pg. 130) He let go of his phantom of a father –he accepts Fukuji as a sort of father figure.

9. Question 8
Read the last line of the book. What do you think this inscription means?
Opinion – you have to make your own path in life, you have to endure conflict to grow as a person, both Muna and the sword are forged.