The plot of this story is non-linear, taking place in several periods. This is evident in how the heroine first recalls the past, analyzing and recounting critical moments related to the main idea of the piece. Then, abruptly returning to the present day, she continues the narrative. Each of the times is closely associated with one vision: the dependence and interconnectedness of all people (Gullick, 2020). The heroine notices this from the note on her wall and then connects each life event to this concept. This is reflected in her thoughts about her daughter, where she concludes that, despite their separation in the breach, they were connected by a common thread (Gullick, 2020).
She also picks up on this in reality, where she sees how the death of a great man can blacken the mood of everyone, no matter how close those people are (Gullick, 2020). In other words, the storyline is arranged so that the character has a particular concept in their worldview. At different points, this system of connecting all people is only reinforced. The plot influences the whole story so that the heroine realizes responsibility for herself and her sweatpants to all the other members of society. It is connected with an idea, where the global community looks like a web, and every move by any person will affect others’ lives.
The Story
- Today, you will study the ritual of the tea ceremony, – the teacher said and gave his disciples a scroll that described the intricacies of the tea ceremony. Finally, the teacher asked the students what they had read.
- Here’s what we read about tea, the drink of the gods: “The white crane washes his head”-that means, rinse the kettle with boiling water,” said the first student proudly.
- The bodhisattva enters the palace – putting the tea in the teapot – added the second disciple.
- The jet warms the kettle – that means pour boiling water into the kettle – added the third disciple.
- The spring wind blows on your face, – said the fourth pupil.
So, one by one the pupils told the teacher all the details of the tea ceremony. Only the last pupil said nothing. He took the kettle, brewed tea according to all the tea ceremony rules, and gave tea to the teacher.
- Your story was the best, – the teacher praised the last student. – You gave me delicious tea and learned an important rule: “Don’t talk about what you read, but about what you understand.”
- Teacher, but this student didn’t say a word at all, – one of the students remarked.
- Deeds always speak louder than words, – the teacher replied.
Reference
Gullick, C. (2020). The invisible string. American Short Fiction. Web.