Questions About Mieko and the Fifth Treasure

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Theresa F. The term 'five treasures' refers to the supplies Mieko uses to create calligraphy. We learn at the beginning of the story that Mieko's former art teac…moreThe term 'five treasures' refers to the supplies Mieko uses to create calligraphy. We learn at the beginning of the story that Mieko's former art teacher would call the sable brush, inkstick, inkstone, and rice paper, 'the four treasures'. The 'fifth treasure' of the title is 'beauty in the heart', which Mieko's art teacher told her is rare and will make her a great artist. But after Mieko's hand is badly injured as a result of the atomic bombing on Nagasaki, Mieko feels that there is only hate and bitterness in her heart and that she has lost 'the fifth treasure'.(less)

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