The Big Wave

One day, the volcano erupts. From the farm, Kino sees it burning, and his father watches anxiously all night long. In the village below, lights in the houses tell Kino that other fathers are watching as well. The sky is red and smoky in the morning, and ash falls on the farm. Kino’s father warns that sometimes “sea and earth and sky [...] work together against man” (17). At these times, they must be prepared but not afraid because fear makes men more likely to make mistakes.

In the afternoon, a red flag rises at the Old Gentleman’s castle, warning the villagers to be ready for whatever may come. Then a bell tolls, signifying that the Old Gentleman is inviting the villagers to take shelter within the castle. However, many do not go. Fishermen do not want to abandon their boats and houses, women do not wish to abandon their husbands, and children do not wish to leave their families. Still, some prefer the safety of the castle.

Kino watches as some villagers climb up the knoll to the castle. Eventually, he sees Jiya, whose father has ordered him to leave.