Summer Reading Guide: Heart of a Samurai
Name:_________________________________
Part I: Vocabulary
For each of the following words, fill out the accompanying table. Use a dictionary (or an online
dictionary) to find the part of speech (noun, adjective, verb, etc.) and the best definition for the word as
used in the text. Use a thesaurus (or an online thesaurus) to find MULTIPLE synonyms and antonyms.
Use your copy of Heart of a Samurai to find the sentence where the word is used. Finally, demonstrate
your understanding of the word by writing your own sentence using the word.
1. Dismal
pg. 5
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
2. Solemn
pg. 18
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
3. Convey
pg. 59
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
4. Remorse
pg. 101
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
5. Envision
pg. 125
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Write your own example sentence:
Antonyms:
6. Melancholy
pg. 165
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
7. Subordinate
pg. 219
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
8. Pondered
pg. 227
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
9. Perpetual
pg. 195
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Antonyms:
Write your own example sentence:
10. Immersed
pg. 85
Part of Speech:
Complete Definition:
Synonyms:
Sentence from Heart of a Samurai:
Write your own example sentence:
Antonyms:
Part II: Character Relationships
Identify whether each of the relationships listed below are positive, negative, or both. Then explain
in at least TWO complete sentences how the relationship is positive or negative using specific
examples from the text. Also include a quote that supports your answer.
Relationship
Positive or Negative?
Explain Why
Manjiro and his
fellow Japanese
fishermen
Passage from text with page #:
Manjiro and
Captain
Whitfield
Passage from text with page #:
Manjiro and
Jolly
Passage from text with page #:
Manjiro and
Tom
Passage from text with page #:
Manjiro and
Sailing on
whaling ships
Passage from text with page #:
Manjiro and
Japan
Passage from text with page #:
Part III: Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences using textual evidence. Use the page numbers
given to find your answers. Make sure to answer all parts of the question. You should ALWAYS use
up all of the space given.
1. Why are the Japanese scared of the blue-eyed barbarians? What do they find so strange
about the sailors when they get on the ship? (pg. 14; 26-35)
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
2. What did Manjiro think about killing a whale? (pgs. 45,48, 54-55)
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
3. What did Captain Whitfield do with Jolly to try to stop him from bullying Manjiro? Should
he have done more to help Manjiro? (pgs. 50, 111)
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
4. What lessons did Manjiro learn while he was in America? How did people treat him and
how did he respond to them? (pgs. 122-123, 130-134, 135-141, 147-149, 170-171, 177-179)
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote:
5. How does Manjiro change how Jolly sees him? Why does he stand up to Cptn. Davis? (pgs.
209-13, 216-20)
Passage from the text that supports your answer:
Page # of
Quote: