1. Sign of the Chrysanthemum by Katherine Paterson
Day 1
Introduction
Pre-reading Chapters 1-3

2. Who is the author of this novel?
Katherine Paterson
Two Newberry Awards
Jacob Have I Loved
Bridge to Terabithia
Two National Book Awards
The Great Gilly Hopkins
The Master Puppeteer
She was born in China, educated in China and America, and lived for four years in Japan. Sign of the Chrysanthemum was her first published novel in 1973.

3. What genre is this novel?
Historical Fiction
A fictional story based on real historical people or events.
Eg. Titanic (the movie)

4. What is the historical period of this novel?
Medieval Japan, end of the 12th century
The novel takes place in the imperial capital, Heian (Heiankyo) in the last days of imperial power. The rebellions depicted in the novel begin the period of samurai and shogun control of Japan.

5. Where does this novel take place.
Heiankyo
Kamo River
Island of Awaji & Straits of Kii
Awa

6. What are the themes of this novel?
Coming of Age
Importance of Belonging
Choosing your path in life

7. Chapter 1-3 Vocabulary serf (1-1) daimyo (1-1) kimono (1-2)
Worker bound to stay with and serve a lord
daimyo (1-1)
Japanese lord over a local territory
kimono (1-2)
Traditional Japanese garment, loose, floor length, fastened with sash
ronin (2-9)
Samurai with no lord, trying to find employment
typhoon (2-14)
Violent tropical storm in the west Pacific and Indian oceans
stowaway (2-12)
A person who hides himself on a vehicle to get transportation
elude (3-17)
To avoid someone or something
halberd (3-18)
Axeblade, pick, and spearhead mounted on a pole

8. Chapter 1-3 Plot Summary First event in chapter 1
Muna digs his mother’s grave
Last event in chapter 3
Muna meets Takanobu at Rashomon Gate

9. What are the daily activities?
First, READ the assigned chapters.
Then do FOUR things:
(1) fill in any NEW information in the setting chart
(2) fill in any NEW information in the character chart
(3) complete the significance portion of the vocabulary chart
(4) complete the plot chart