A Living God – Reasoning (20+ Questions)

Complete the following sentences by providing a brief reason. Do not repeat the question.

1. Hamaguchi's house is located on a plateau overlooking the bay because __________

2. The villagers are celebrating a festival to Ujima because __________

3. Hamaguchi remains calm despite the unusual earthquake because __________

4. Hamaguchi recognizes the danger from the sea's retreat because __________

5. Hamaguchi decides to set fire to his rice fields instead of asking the temple priests because __________

6. Tada initially shouts at Hamaguchi to stop because __________

7. The villagers rush toward the plateau when they see the fire because __________

8. The young villagers attempt to put out the fire when they arrive because __________

9. Hamaguchi prevents the villagers from extinguishing the fire because __________

10. The tsunami crashes with tremendous force because __________

11. The village below is completely destroyed while the villagers are safe because __________

12. Hamaguchi declares his reason for burning his rice fields after the tsunami because __________

13. The villagers bow before Hamaguchi in gratitude because __________

14. Hamaguchi offers his residence to the villagers after the disaster because __________

15. The villagers consider Hamaguchi a "living god" because __________

16. Hamaguchi's wealth does not define his true value because __________

17. Hamaguchi's sacrifice demonstrates his leadership qualities because __________

18. The story contrasts with societies where leaders prioritize personal gain because __________

19. Hearn emphasizes that true divinity comes through actions rather than rituals because __________

20. Hamaguchi's wisdom lies not only in recognizing danger but also because __________

21. The story's message remains relevant in contemporary society because __________

Answer Key

i) It gives him a vantage point to observe the village below and the bay, allowing him to notice unusual natural phenomena.

ii) They have had a good harvest and want to give thanks to Ujima, their god who blessed them with wealth and prosperity.

iii) His experience and knowledge from hearing stories about tsunamis from his grandfather alert him to recognize the danger.

iv) He has heard stories from his grandfather about how the sea recedes before a tsunami strikes, giving him the knowledge to understand this natural warning sign.

v) He realizes that explaining the danger and waiting for priests would take too much time, and setting fire is the quickest way to alert the villagers and bring them to safety.

vi) He does not understand why his grandfather is destroying their valuable rice harvest and cannot immediately grasp the danger ahead.

vii) They see the fire and come rushing to try to extinguish it, thereby moving to higher ground where they will be safe from the approaching tsunami.

viii) They do not understand the danger and believe Hamaguchi is recklessly destroying valuable property that needs to be saved.

ix) He understands that the fire is the only way to alert and gather the villagers to safety on the plateau before the tsunami strikes.

x) The tsunami has been building power across the ocean, and the receding water indicates a massive wave is about to strike the shore with tremendous force.