Tree-ear, the protagonist of the novel ‘A Single Shard’ by Linda Sue Park, received his name from an interesting story. When he was a young boy, he was found by a kind woman named Crane-man, who took him in. Crane-man noticed that Tree-ear had a unique physical characteristic; his ears stuck out a bit like the leaves of a tree. This resemblance led to his nickname, which stuck with him throughout his childhood.
Furthermore, the name ‘Tree-ear’ also symbolizes his connection to nature and the themes of growth and resilience found in the story. Just as trees endure storms and grow stronger, Tree-ear faces numerous challenges throughout the book, including his desire to become a great potter and to prove himself worthy. His name is fitting as it reflects not only his appearance but also his journey.