Essay Questions

Give two examples on how Eleanor Coerr uses the imagery of smell in “Thousand paper Cranes”

The author uses food and freshness of dishes to depict the sense of smell to the reader. The reader can have a clear picture of what is taking place on the scene of the story. In the first example, as Sadako walks across the streets from the memorial festival, she smells good food from the food stores, which are strategically located along the streets. Eleanor writes:

“The best part Sadako thought, was looking at all the things to buy and smelling the good food”. This imagery as well helps the reader to understand that Sadako is fond of food. The other example of the imagery of smell is prevalent when she refers to the freshness of the dishes. She writes:

“The air was filled with smells of delicious holiday food”.

How possible is it that Sadako as a baby learns how to run before she could walk?

Sadako’s mother uses the phrase “she learned to run before she could walk” ironically to mean that she is naturally a runner”. This irony is proven when she joins the school’s athletic team. During her first competitions, she emerges the best and she is given the chance to participate in competitions representing her school. She is a tall girl and posses all the qualities of a successful athlete. She is optimistic that her dream of being the best athlete in the school is valid. Importantly, everyone is fond of her running ambitions. She receives massive support from her parents, teachers, fellow students, and trainers. The author writes:

“Sadako was born to be a runner. Her mother always said that Sadako had learned to run before she could walk. One morning in August 1954, Sadako ran outside into the street as soon as she was dressed.”

However, at the end of the story, the girl who was born naturally a runner, succumbs to death being a victim of the Hiroshima bombing atoms.

Which symbol did Eleanor use in her story to symbolize the sign of peace during the Memorial Festival?

The author uses white doves to illustrate a sign of peace. After the ceremony is complete, the priests and Buddhists release dozens of the white doves into the atmosphere from their cages to signify that the living beings are at peace with the spirits. The doves also signify that the victims of the bombing should rest in peace because those alive are praying for them.