61 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
Foxes and thieves symbolize fear and illustrate the theme of Fear Versus Courage. While the connection between the two might not seem obvious, Crane-man draws an interesting parallel at the beginning of the story when he says that a thief is “no better than a dog” (20). Foxes are members of the canine family and close biological relatives of dogs. In addition, foxes have a special meaning in Korean folklore: “They were known to be fiendishly clever. Some people even believed that foxes possessed evil magic. It was said that a fox could lure a man to his doom” (82-83). Significantly, Crane-man is also frightened of foxes. The old man ran away when a fox crossed his path on the way to the monastery. Because he allowed fear to stop him, he ended up living under a bridge.
Foxes and thieves intimidate Tree-ear as well. However, unlike Crane-man, Tree-ear does not run away from these sources of terror. Tree-ear encounters a fox on the journey to Songdo, but remains with Min’s pottery despite his intense fear. Later, Tree-ear has an even more threatening encounter with two robbers who steal his money and shatter his precious sample vases.
Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By Linda Sue Park
5th-6th Grade Historical Fiction
View Collection
American Literature
View Collection
Art
View Collection
Asian American & Pacific Islander...
View Collection
Asian History
View Collection
Beauty
View Collection
Books About Art
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Diverse Voices (Middle Grade)
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fear
View Collection
Juvenile Literature
View Collection
Newbery Medal & Honor Books
View Collection
Poverty & Homelessness
View Collection
Realistic Fiction (Middle Grade)
View Collection
Required Reading Lists
View Collection
School Book List Titles
View Collection
SuperSummary Staff Picks
View Collection