Lesson 65 Seppuku
Topic Question ： Why do samurai commit seppuku?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the cultural, historical, and personal reasons why a samurai would choose to commit seppuku.
▮ Sample Answer
“Samurai commit seppuku as a way to preserve their honor or take responsibility for their actions. It was seen as a method of dying with dignity rather than falling into the hands of enemies or living in disgrace.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
- Honor (名誉): A sense of ethical conduct and duty, highly valued by samurai.
- Responsibility (責任): The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.
- Dignity (尊厳): The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
- Disgrace (不名誉): Loss of reputation or respect as the result of a dishonorable action.
- Enemy (敵): A person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What is the main reason samurai commit seppuku?
- How does seppuku relate to a samurai’s honor?
- What alternatives does seppuku present to living in disgrace or captivity?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar
If we go… If you see…, etc.
If can be at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle:
If at the beginning
If we take the bus, it will be cheaper.
If you don’t hurry, you’II miss the train.
if in the middleIt will be cheaper if we take the bus.
You’ll miss the train if you don’t hurry.
In conversation, we often use the if-part of the sentence alone:
● Are you going to the concert?” “Yes, if I can get a ticket.
If you see Ann tomorrow…, etc.
After if, we use the present (not will). We say if you see… (not if you will see) ・
● If you see Ann tomorrow, can you ask her to call me?
● If I ‘m late tonight, don’t wait for me. (not if I will be)
● What should we do if it rains? (not if it will rain)
If and when
If I go out = it is possible that I will go out, but I’ m not sure:
● A: Are you going out later?
B: Maybe. If I go out, I’ll close the windows.
When I go out= I’m going out (for sure):
● A: Are you going out later?
B: Yes, I am. When I go out, I’ll close the windows.
Compare when and if:
● When I get home tonight, I’m going to take a shower.
● If I’m late tonight, don’t wait for me. (not When I’m late)
● We’re going to play basketball if it doesn’t rain. (not when it doesn’t rain)
Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar practice:
- If a samurai faced disgrace, he might consider seppuku to preserve his honor.
- Don’t disrespect the complexity of samurai culture by oversimplifying their traditions.
- Let’s research more about how the practice of seppuku evolved over time.
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
