Conflict. A conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a literary work. A plot is formed around this conflict. The conflict can be internal or external. A struggle that takes place between a character and some outside force—such as another character, society, or nature—is an external conflict. A struggle that takes place inside a character is an internal conflict. As you read “Amaterasu,” try to determine what type of conflict takes place and which character or characters are involved in the conflict.
Characterization. Characterization is the act of creating a character. Writers create characters by showing what characters say, do, and think; by showing what other characters (and the narrator) say about them, and by showing what physical features, dress, and personality the characters display. As you read, think about how the character of Amaterasu is developed. Use a cluster chart like the one at right to keep track of the things you learn about the goddess. What means are used to create the character of Amaterasu? What do you learn about Amaterasu from other characters? What do you learn about her from her actions and her discussion with her brother?
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• In Shinto, the ancient native religion of Japan, Amaterasu is the goddess of the Sun. Until 1946, all emperors of Japan were considered to be gods descended from Amaterasu. It is said that when the first emperor, Jimmu, took power in 660 bc, Amaterasu gave him her mirror as proof that he was divine. Today, the mirror is believed to be in Amaterasu’s shrine, or place of worship. In this story, you will learn about the origin of this mirror.
• Science Connection. A mirror is a surface that reflects images by diverting light in a certain way. The surface of a mirror must be perfectly smooth. The surface must reflect most of the light that hits it and absorb very little. Early human-made mirrors were polished pieces of bronze, tin, or silver. In Venice in the sixteenth century, people began to attach a thin sheet of metal to glass to create a mirroring surface. New techniques in the nineteenth century allowed mirrors to be created at a lower cost, and the use of mirrors became more common.
When you are upset or afraid, do you like to be alone, or do you prefer to be with others? Explain
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