Haiku Poems

1. Basho Matsuo

Here are three examples of the haiku of Basho Matsuo, the first great poet of haiku in the 1600s:

An old silent pond...

A frog jumps into the pond,

splash! Silence again.

Autumn moonlight—

a worm digs silently

into the chestnut.

Lightning flash—

what I thought were faces

are plumes of pampas grass.

2. Natsume Soseki

Natsume Soseki lived from 1867 - 1916.  He was a novelist and master of the haiku. Here are a couple of examples of his poems:

Over the wintry

forest, winds howl in  rage

with no leaves to blow.

The crow has flown away:

swaying in the evening sun,

a leafless tree.  

3. Yosa Buson

Three examples of the haiku of Yosa Buson from the late 1700s are offered here:

A summer river being crossed

how pleasing

with sandals in my hands!

Light of the moon

Moves west, flowers' shadows

Creep eastward.

In the moonlight,

The color and scent of the wisteria

Seems far away.

A Pearl Life

A Pearl Life

“Difficult times can make you rich and strong.” (Sook, Page 145) Oysters went through painful processes, then get beautiful pearls. In the book, Gathering of Pearls, the main character, Sookan has a great mother who told her this story to encourage her work hard and overcome bad time. In the cover, a girl with a black dress is gathering pearls on the floor. She is kneeling on the floor and keeping her head down; few plum blossoms are around her. This girl is Sookan, and she wears a black dress which is made by her mother. Once she got a necklace from her teacher; she broke it, so she is gathering the pearls. Sookan seems to be stuck in the black room, gathering pearls that have fallen; this image suggests that she has a sad life. However actually she gets her friends' and mother's love to support her, just like the beautiful flowers that surround her, and therefore she can fix the pearl necklace, which represents her future. 

First, these pearls represent difficulties, and a beautiful necklace means a great future. Like the cover says, Sookan's life is difficult, but it is a necessary part of her life. In this book, Sookan has numerous troubles or problems in her first year in America, such as language problem or cultural differences. For example, at first, Sookan takes some douses which are too difficult to her, such as world literature, world religious and early Europe history. However she works extremely hard; still, she cannot get fantastic grades. Once she even fainted in the bathroom on an early morning, because she stays up to study for the test. Also, she spends all her time on studying or working to remain scholarship, so Sookan even does not have time to choose an art class which she likes. However, she seems like suffering a lot, but this is good for her, which means she takes high-level classes to learn some more professional knowledge. If she wants a perfect life, she must go through the hard time and overcome these difficulties. If she wants to get a beautiful pearl necklace, she must gather the pearls and thread them. After overcoming these problems and gathering all the pearls, Sookan gets a good life and a beautiful necklace. Sookan is in a hard time, but the only way to getting through these troubles is facing them. Like her mother says in the letter: ”Your life has been hard, and you have come through all those difficult times enriched with enormous wisdom for someone so young”. (Sook, page 145) Thus, Sookan's bad life is just a while, there is a beautiful life or necklace waiting for her. 

Although Sookan is going through a hard time, she still gets encouragement or help from her family and friends. In the cover, there are several plum blossoms which makes the cover colorful. Like the flowers, friends’ and family’s help and support bring Sookan’s life more happiness. For instance, Sookan has two good friends, Ellen and Marci. No matter what happens, they are always on Sookan’s side and help her. When Sookan is confused about whether she should obey her sister or choose her own way, Ellen and Marci give her advice which can really help her out. Ellen told Sookan that: “You can be married , have a family, and still be a teacher, or a social worker, or a volunteer if you want. You don't have to be a nun to help others.” (Sook, page 59) Actually, those words change Sookan’s life. Sookan used to think she should obey her sister blindly and go back to Korea after graduating, but she then realizes that she should follow her heart. At last, she stays in America. Two of Sookan’s friends are like the most evergreen blossoms in her life; they always be with her and give her right direction. Also, Sookan’s mother always supports Sookan as much as possible. She cares about Sookan all the time. She knows she is dying, so she writes her last letter to Sookan and asks her son to send this letter after she dies, because she hope Sookan can focus on her study. She encourages Sookan to be strong and not to be sad for her death. She is like the most bright blossom in Sookan’s life; she guides Sookan to step out of darkness every time. These blossoms, her friends and family give Sookan much help, they are like lamps which help Sookan find her way in the dark. 

In conclusion, Sookan goes through hard times; however, she feels much pain, but she knows difficulties can make her strong. Moreover, there are still some people who support her to overcome difficulties and get a wonderful life. They are almost the most colorful blossoms in Sookan’s life. Overall, Sookan must have a pearl life. 

Citation:

Choi, Sook Nyul., and Sook Nyul. Choi. Gathering of Pearls. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1994. Print.

An Adventurous New Life

The famous scientist, Niels Bohr said that: ” Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future.” People never know what will happen in five years, so does Sookan. In the last chapter of Gathering Of Pearls, Sookan decides to follow her heart and accept her sister without obeying her blindly, and she gets a new life.

First of all, I think Sookan may not stay in America, nor return to Korea. She will become a leader of an international organization, like WWF or U.N., especially something medical. She may be in Nepal or Kenya to help poor people. Her mother’s sudden death influences her much. She regrets to not stay with her mother in the last few months of her life, so she may give this love to needy people. She will help people as a voluntary nurse. In the book, she never says she wants to return to Korea and be a nun; this is her sister’s opinion. Now, Sookan decides to follow her heart, and her dearest mother was already dead. Especially after talking to Ellen, she knows there are numerous ways to help others, so she has no reason to go back. She wants to be a volunteer more than a nun; to be a volunteer can give her more freedom. Also, she will not become an elementary school teacher. This is a great job, but it doesn't suit Sookan. In my opinion, Sookan seems like a tender girl, but actually she is an adventurous person. She chose to study in America, even if everyone disagreed with her. Her family thought that she was too young to go abroad alone, but the fact is she did it. She does not like this job; she likes interesting and adventurous job which is volunteer. After 5 years’ volunteering and working, Sookan is a leader of the group. She keeps working and helping poor people.

Second, I do not think she will marry Tom. People always say first love is a disaster, and only a few people can marry their first lovers. They

are too young, and Sookan even does not have love experience. They do not know how to love or how to care for each other. Tom is a charming boy, so there must be many girls like him. He may not treat Sookan really serious. Sookan is kind of conservative, so she must be annoyed by those girls who like Tom. They are not fit to each other, therefore, they will not get married.

Also, I think she will run off with Marci to Greece. As I wrote above, Sookan now follow her heart. She’d like to do something that she is interested. For example, she takes an art class, because she likes drawing. She does not think that is wasting her study hours anymore. Sookan likes Greece, also she needs a relaxing environment. She took Greek culture in her first year in America. I think she must want to visit Greece, and this is a good chance to visit this beautiful place with her friend. At that time, Sookan is suffering from her mother’s death. She really needs a relaxing place where can make her forget these sad things. Thus, it is good for her to go to Greece, and I think she will go.

In conclusion, Sookan will be a member of an international volunteer organization. About her life, I think she will not marry Tom. These decisions show Sookan is totally a tough, adventurous and independent girl. After realizing and following her heart, she gets a really different life. 

GOP chapter 13-18

Chapter 13

1. Marci has a bad relationship with her parents. She feels awkward to talk to her parents. There is a big conflict between her parents and her, so they always have a fight when they talk. 
2. First, throw out the letters, and do not think about them. Second, tell her sister the truth. Third, live her own life and not just imitate her sister’s. 
3. I don’t think Sookan will follow Marci’s advice, because she will feel guilty. She still cares about her family and the traditions in the Korean culture. She feels that if she does it, she will be a disgrace to her family. 

Chapter 14

1. Sister Reed gives a beautiful pearl necklace to Sookan, because she thinks Sookan is a truly extraordinary young woman. 
2. Ellen is engaged to Kyle in this chapter. 
3. Her parents are so upset, they said Ellen should give the ring back. After Sister Reed called her parents, her parents were furious. They also asked her to call the announcement off and  come home right away. 
4. I agree with her position. We can see Sookan is a true friend of Ellen. She really care about Ellen’s happiness. If Ellen elopes, she will be happy for one moment. After that moment, she may regret. Though, she gets married with Kyle, but she will not be happy without her parents’ benediction. Her parents love her, Ellen should talk to her parents. 

Chapter 15

1. She spent all her money for the party. She spent her time on the party and drank alcohol. She feels guilty, because she played instead of studying. She thinks her sister will disappoint at her. However, she really enjoys the party. She is confused that whether it is her problem or her sister’s problem. Also, she starts thinking whether she should obey to her sister. 
2. If I were Sookan, I would not spend much money on the clothes, instead, I would put on my hanbok. I would keep attending parties and hang out with my friends, but I would only do these things every two weeks. I would not tell my sister these things. 

Chapter 16

1. I think she has accomplished. She got great job on her study. Second, she remains the scholarship and keep studying in America by working so hard. Third, she fits in well in her first year. She makes good friends. 
2. At first, she thinks the only important thing in her life is to study, she took many difficult classes. Also, she cares her sister too much, she even cannot live for herself. She changed a lot. Now she understands studying is not the only important thing. She takes painting class. She starts to enjoy her college life. 

Chapter 17

1. Her mother died. 
2. First, she could not believe that, she sat, buried her face in her hands and sobbed. She stayed in her room and cried for the rest of the day.  She regretted to come to America when her mother needed her most. At last, she decided to work hard. 

Chapter 18

1. She realizes that no one is infallible, she needs to accept her sister and respect her without obeying her blindly. She has to follow her heart. 
2. I will suggest her not to be sad for long and talk to her sister and brothers more. Something happened, we cannot change it, but we should appreciate what we have. Her sister and brothers are her only relatives, so she need to appreciate them and talk to them more. 

Decisions

“ To be or not to be, that’s a question. ” In our life, we have many things to decide. Every decision we make will influence our life. In this book, Sookan, the main character is an 18-year-old girl who decided to study in America alone. The author writes a lot of things about her study and life in America. That is the reason why I like this book, it is resonant. Sookan and I have similarities. 

First of all, this book had stuck a chord in my heart. As an international student in a strange country, I can see part of my life in the book. Sometimes we have same moods, feelings and experiences. I learn how to solve same problems from this book. For example, once Sookan fainted in the bathroom, because she was too tired. She is a hard-working student. She does not want her family to be disappointed at her, and she has to remain her scholarship. These things push her to work hard. Sometimes I also have this feeling. I always want to be a good student or a good daughter. I extremely care about grades, because I want to prove that I work hard and I get good grades by myself. I spend their money in a right way. I hope they feel that they made a good decision, and I wish they can be proud of me. Sookan is like another me, I can see my feelings from her. 

Second, In my opinion, Sookan is a tough girl, I learnt many things from her. She never regrets at her decisions. She wants to study abroad, everyone is against her. They think she is too young to go abroad alone, but Sookan believes she can do it. However, the facts show us Sookan is a tough girl and she made a right decision. No matter how difficult the things she faces, she never gives up. Besides, she wants to be the best one. Numerous international students give up their study and come back to their own countries when they have difficulties. In this book, we can see Sookan struggle many times, but she only thinks how to solve the problems. She never thinks she can give up. This is her, a good problem solver. I learnt a lot from her. Every time I feel it is too difficult to me, I cannot do it. I will think about her, I want to be a tough girl like her. Then I just take a deep breath and move on. I studied and improved myself by reading this book and getting to know this girl. 

In conclusion, this is good book for international students. I must recommend this book to all my friends. I found another me in this book. I hope it can resonant with my friends. I learnt many things from this book, and I hope this book can help some struggling people out. We make decisions whole time. We do not have to make everything right, but we should try our best to have persistence. 

Gathering of pearls thinking questions

1. Do you think Sookan will keep obeying her sister or listen to Ellen?
2. According to the letters, list 3 differences between Korea and America.

Gathering of pearls questions (Chapter 6-12)

Chapter 6

1. Sookan and her sister’s conflict is her sister wanted her to write the letter as soon as possible. However Sookan has much work to do, she does not have enough time to do this. Her sister’s tone in that letter was really strict, that made Sookan think her sister does not care her feelings. That’s the conflict. Actually, the internal conflict is Sookan is in a period of changing. She started fitting in American culture, and there are many differences from Korean culture and American culture. Sookan used to totally obey her sister. Now, she is wondering if she should abbey her sister everything. That is the internal conflict. This part is really important for this book, because this is a important period for Sookan. Sookan started changing and fitting in America. This is a transition period, so it is important. 

Chapter 7

1. Ellen thinks social scenes are important to college life. 

2. Sookan used to want to go back to Korea and be a nun like her sister after she graduate. However, Ellen told her she can married, have a family, and still be a teacher, or a social worker, or a volunteer if she wants. She does not need to help others as a nun. 

3. In my opinion, Sookan needs to listen to Ellen, because she needs to fit in America society. She is no longer in Korea, so she should change a thinking mind. 

Chapter 8

1. Because she missed the afternoon attendance for meeting. 

2. I don't think she made a right decision, because writing a letter did not deserve five demerits. If I were she, I would stay up for a while at night to write this letter. I would not sneak out from the meeting. 

3. She writes about her babysitting job and her opinions for if men should do housework. The most thing she writes is she lists the differences between America and Korea, and she writes her own opinions. She also writes something about the election day. She shares part of her life with her sister. She also expresses her love and apology to her sister. 

4. First, her sister will ask her not to forget Korean culture, she will tell her Korean culture is better than American culture. Then, she may encourage Sookan to work hard. 

Chapter 9

1. Good: 1. Sookan has a chance to have a rest, and Ellen's mother's gift makes Sookan be touched. 

           2. Ellen's family makes Sookan feel warm. Also, it is good for Sookan to fit in America. 

     Bad: 1. Ellen's family makes Sookan get a little bit homesick. 

               2. Sookan has less time to study. 

Chapter 10

1. Shower room is her secret study spot. 

2. She suffered from exhaustion, and she had a fever. She fainted. 

3. She and Marci and Ellen can all get together over vacation, but she is not to take any books with her to Marci's. 

Chapter 11

1. The difference is mother is concerned about Sookan more, sister requires Sookan more. Mother loves Sookan, and she does not want Sookan to be so tired and worried about the family. Mother's life is all about the family. She talks about her daughters and brothers all the time. Sister has more requirements for Sookan. She cannot understand Sookan' difficulties and struggling. She wants Sookan to work really hard and complete her requirements excellent. Sister's life is more about her job and helping others. 

Chapter 12

1. She prepares Korean foods, such as Bulgogi, salad and rice. 

2. Ellen makes butter cookies, and Marci makes brownies.

3. Sister Reed joins them. 

4. First, this gathering makes Sookan think of her family and her life in Korea. It also gives Sookan a chance to relax and be with her friends, Bennetts family and sister Reed. These things and people make her happy. Also, she understands why her mom love to see people enjoy the foods that she cooks and why she loves cooking.