A samurai is “one who serves.” In ancient times, the term described ...

Chapter 2
Pupil Pages 56–97
The Samurai Interactive Reading, page 83
Go Beyond an Informational Text
Research Template The samurai of long ago provide a fascinating
topic for research. Use the template below to learn more about these
warriors of feudal Japan.
Project Samurai
Questions for Research Resource
Who were the samurai?
When did they live?
What was their purpose?
Why were they so feared?
Why did they cease to exist?
88 Chapter 2 Characters: The People You’ll Meet
Folk tales often provide fanciful explanations for everyday events.
We don’t really believe these explanations—or do we? Both
“The Spider Weaver” and “The Grateful Statues” describe strange,
wonderful happenings. Whether you believe these stories or not,
there’s something valuable to be learned.
Here’s what you need to know before you begin these folk tales:
• Jizo is a Japanese Buddha who is the protector of children.
• Traditionally Japanese people celebrate the new year by
eating special foods. Sweet, sticky rice cakes are a traditional
new year’s food.
Reading
Standard 3.2
Analyze the
effect of the
qualities of
the character
(for example,
courage or
cowardice,
ambition or
laziness) on
the plot and
resolution of
the conflict.
retold by Florence Sakade
The Spider Weaver
Long ago there was a young farmer named Yosaku. One day
he was working in the fields and saw a snake getting ready
to eat a spider. Yosaku felt very sorry for the spider. So he
ran at the snake with his hoe and drove the snake away,
thus saving the spider’s life. Then the spider disappeared
into the grass, but first it seemed to pause a minute and
bow in thanks toward Yosaku.
What amazing event is
related in this paragraph?
Underline it.
The spider bows in
thanks to Yosaku.
From Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories, edited by Florence Sakade. Copyright © 1958 by Charles E. Tuttle
Co., Inc. Reprinted by permission of Charles E. Tuttle Co., Inc. of Boston, MA, and Tokyo, Japan.
Two Japanese Folk Tales 89
164 Interactive Reading: Teacher’s Edition