Silence Lesson Plan

Why do Inoue and others use metaphors so frequently to share their beliefs about Christianity in Japan? What advantages and disadvantages does this have as a means of communicating with Rodrigues?

The metaphors used by Inoue and other samurai provide a change of pace from the earlier "controversy" with the interpreter. As students will probably note, they are easier and more interesting to digest. Additionally, unlike the "controversy," although Rodrigues's conversation with Inoue does not result in either man being persuaded by the other, persuasion does seem to be the purpose of this encounter. Metaphor could, therefore, be construed here as a more delicate and...