Introduction
In Linda Sue Park's Newbery Medal-winning novel The Single Shard, set in 12th century Korea, the story’s protagonist Tree-ear faces immense adversity but perseveres through hard work and determination. An examination of the historical backdrop of Tree-ear’s story provides insight into the evolution of Korean celadon pottery and what enabled its artisans to perfect their craft over centuries. While celadon ware plays a crucial role in the narrative, at its core The Single Shard highlights the power of perseverance in overcoming life’s challenges.
Tree-ear's Quest for Mastery
Celadon, with its distinctive green-blue glaze, originated in ancient Korea during the Goryeo dynasty. For centuries, skilled potters experimented with materials and techniques to perfect the artform. By the 12th century depicted in Park's novel, Korean celadon had gained recognition as the highest quality ceramic in Asia. Still, producing celadon ware of such refinement required extensive skill and precision. As The Single Shard illustrates through Tree-ear's trials, only through resolute perseverance could artisans hope to master the celadon craft.
The Endless Pursuit of Excellence
Tree-ear, an orphan boy who lives under a bridge with his friend Crane-man, dreams of becoming a master potter. After befriending the renowned artisan Min, Tree-ear is allowed to assist Min and his assistant by foraging for materials and completing menial tasks. Tree-ear sees this as an invaluable opportunity to learn, working diligently with the hope that Min will accept him as an apprentice. When Crane-man suffers an accident, Tree-ear must travel alone to deliver Min's masterpiece celadon vase to the royal court in Songdo. After days of grueling travel, just as Tree-ear reaches the court, the vase slips and breaks. Devastated, Tree-ear worries he has lost any chance with Min. However, Min recognizes Tree-ear's hard work and perseverance. Rather than punishing the boy, he rewards Tree-ear's dedication by taking him on as his new apprentice.
Tree-ear's Triumph over Innate Talent
Tree-ear exemplifies the tireless perseverance Korean potters invested into perfecting celadon ware. As revealed through archaeological excavations, early Korean ceramics from the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE) were rather primitive in craftsmanship compared to celadon. It took centuries of experimentation with materials, kiln technology, and glazing techniques before the signature jade-colored, translucent sheen of quality celadon could be produced. In The Single Shard, Tree-ear must perform basic tasks like lugging buckets of water and clay and keeping the kiln fire burning before he can even learn the fundamentals of throwing pots. Only after years of work does Tree-ear finally begin learning the secrets of celadon glazing. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, Tree-ear understands that becoming a master potter requires endless dedication and work.
Addressing the Counterargument
Some argue that in the modern world, perseverance matters less than innate talent. Why spend years struggling to master a skill, when natural prodigies exist who quickly surpass others? Yet The Single Shard argues through Tree-ear that diligence and determination can overcome innate talent. Unlike Crane-man who shows early aptitude for ceramics, Tree-ear initially struggles with even basic pottery skills. Yet he dedicates himself fully to improving, practicing late into the night. In time, Tree-ear is regarded as a prodigy, with even Min acknowledging that Tree-ear's perseverance has allowed him to surpass Crane-man's natural abilities. The Single Shard suggests that grit matters more than inborn gifts in achieving excellence. As Tree-ear reflects, “How could you judge a person by his talents alone, without taking into account what he did with them?”
Conclusion
In The Single Shard, Tree-ear exemplifies the power of perseverance in overcoming adversity. Through Tree-ear’s trials, Linda Sue Park provides insight into the ancient art of Korean celadon pottery and the centuries of ingenuity and resolve required to perfect it. More broadly, the novel highlights perseverance as a virtue that can help one conquer hardship and master even the most difficult craft. The Single Shard serves as an inspiration and reminder that with determination and grit, no goal lies beyond our reach.
