Question

Explain the following sentence: “The type that appealed to Seibei was even and symmetrical.”

Hint:

Even simple characters in literature can reflect deep human emotions and artistic sensibilities.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Context.
This line is from the story “A Piece of String” (or Seibei’s story in Japanese literature), where Seibei, a young boy, has an unusual hobby of collecting gourds.
Step 2: Explanation.
The sentence describes Seibei’s aesthetic sense. He is drawn to gourds that are balanced and harmonious in shape. “Even and symmetrical” reflects his appreciation for beauty, precision, and perfection. It shows his quiet passion and artistic eye despite being young and ordinary.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Through Seibei’s love for symmetry, the author conveys the theme of individuality and the human desire to find beauty in simple things.