Say It With Flowers - Study Notes
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Questions and Answers

What was Teruo's personality like?

  • Quiet and charming (correct)
  • Angry and frustrated
  • Rude and disrespectful
  • Loud and outgoing

Why did Mr. Sasaki hire Teruo?

  • He was a friend of Tommy's
  • He was impressed by Teruo's experience
  • He was looking for someone to replace Tommy
  • He was desperate for extra help (correct)

What was the narrator's role at the flower shop?

  • Owner
  • Delivery boy (correct)
  • Clerk
  • Manager

What did Teruo want to learn about the flower business?

<p>How to sell flowers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of job did Teruo apply for?

<p>Clerk (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Tommy's role at the flower shop?

<p>Clerk (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Mr. Sasaki want to hire another clerk?

<p>He wanted to be prepared for the busy season (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Teruo say he wanted to do?

<p>Learn everything from the bottom up (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event caused the main character to be involved in helping Teruo with customers?

<p>The boss was on a business trip. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Teruo initially struggle with when learning his job?

<p>He has difficulty distinguishing between fresh and old flowers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason behind Tommy's advice to Teruo?

<p>To teach Teruo how to sell even if he doesn't know the information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of Tommy's advice to Teruo?

<p>Practical and straightforward. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Teruo's reaction to Tommy's advice reveal about him?

<p>He is concerned about being dishonest with customers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about the business world through Teruo's experience?

<p>It is a place where honesty is often sacrificed for success. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a theme explored in the text?

<p>The impact of social status on individual choices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Tommy, Teruo, and the main character?

<p>Colleagues with differing views on workplace ethics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Teruo struggle to sell the older flowers?

<p>He felt uncomfortable selling old flowers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Tommy advise Teruo to do when the boss returned?

<p>To focus on selling the older flowers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unusual event happened when Mr.Sasaki returned?

<p>Teruo sold old flowers to a customer (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Teruo react after selling the old flowers to the customer?

<p>He worried about the customer's reaction to the flowers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Teruo's major concern about the flowers he sold to the customer?

<p>They would not last long (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Sasaki do when he witnessed Teruo selling the fresh flowers in the back?

<p>He ignored the situation completely (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Teruo feel after Mr.Sasaki watched him sell the fresh flowers?

<p>Anxious and uncertain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the story suggest about Teruo's character?

<p>He is a moral person who struggles with ethical dilemmas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Teruo feel bad about selling the older flowers?

<p>He feels dishonest when he tells customers the flowers are fresh. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary conflict in the passage?

<p>Teruo faces a moral dilemma about selling old flowers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Sasaki's attitude towards selling older flowers?

<p>He is strongly in favor of it, seeing it as a smart business practice. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for Teruo's newfound behavior at the end of the passage?

<p>He has come to terms with his responsibility and the nature of the business. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is used to show Teruo's change in attitude in the passage?

<p>Personification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between Teruo and Mr. Sasaki?

<p>They are boss and employee who have a respectful, but sometimes tense, relationship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely meaning of the phrase "He looked at each vase, sizing up the flowers. He did this with great deliberation, as if he were the boss and had the last word in the shop"?

<p>Teruo feels confident about the flowers, showing his authority. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's likely purpose in writing this passage?

<p>To explore the complexities of human relationships in the workplace. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the lady smile and say thank you to Teruo?

<p>She was appreciative of his generosity in giving her the roses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Sasaki's reaction to Teruo giving away roses?

<p>He was furious and fired Teruo for his actions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of person was Teruo?

<p>He was a man of integrity, who was kind and generous. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Teruo's attitude as he left the flower shop?

<p>He was cheerful and optimistic about the future. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between Teruo and Mr. Sasaki?

<p>They were employer and employee with a strained and ultimately broken relationship. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Sasaki's primary concern regarding Teruo's actions?

<p>Teruo was not following the established pricing strategy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Teruo say to the customer who wanted to buy the orchid?

<p>He advised her not to purchase the orchid as it wouldn't last for the dance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes Teruo's approach to customer service?

<p>He prioritized helping customers and going the extra mile, even at the expense of profit margins. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Teruo give the little boy a dozen expensive roses?

<p>He wanted to please the boy and make him happy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Teruo's reaction to Mr. Sasaki's criticism?

<p>He was unapologetic and explained his reasons for his actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Tommy and the narrator conclude about Teruo's actions?

<p>Teruo's approach was unorthodox, but it was effective in attracting customers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best reflects Teruo's approach to the flower business?

<p>Business is about building relationships and creating good experiences for customers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Sasaki's question, "Did Teruo eat yet?" reveal about his perception of Teruo?

<p>He wanted to make sure Teruo was not wasting company time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Toshio Mori

A Japanese American author known for his stories.

Yokohama, California

The first collection published by Toshio Mori, reflecting life in San Leandro and Oakland.

Morning Glory Flower Shop

The flower shop where part of 'Say It with Flowers' is set, owned by Mr. Sasaki.

Mr. Sasaki

The owner of the flower shop in the story, responsible for hiring Teruo.

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Teruo

A new clerk in the flower shop who wants to learn about the florist business.

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Tommy

The number one clerk in the flower shop who teaches Teruo the florist trade.

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Florist trade

The business of selling and arranging flowers, which Teruo is learning.

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Character descriptions

Toshio Mori provides distinct traits for characters like Teruo and Tommy in the story.

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Teruo's Sales Struggle

Teruo hesitates when customers ask about flower freshness.

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Selling Fresh vs. Old Flowers

Teruo is instructed to sell old flowers instead of fresh ones.

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Mr. Sasaki's Return

Mr. Sasaki observes Teruo selling flowers for the first time.

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Teruo's Guilt

Teruo feels bad about selling old flowers as fresh.

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Sales Tactics

Tommy advises Teruo on how to sell effectively.

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Customer Trust

Teruo fears losing customer trust by selling old flowers.

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Emotional Conflict

Teruo feels torn between making sales and being honest.

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Consequences of Dishonesty

Selling old flowers as fresh can harm Teruo's reputation.

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Teruo's Act of Kindness

Teruo gave roses to a lady who admired them, without expecting payment.

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Mr. Sasaki's Reaction

Mr. Sasaki fired Teruo for giving away flowers instead of selling them.

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Fresh White Roses

The flowers Teruo gave to the lady, indicating freshness and beauty.

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Teruo's Resilience

Despite being fired, Teruo left happily, showcasing a positive spirit.

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Ending Note of Gratitude

Teruo thanked Mr. Sasaki before leaving, showing no hard feelings.

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Guilt in Sales

The feeling of remorse for selling items perceived as inferior or old.

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Mr. Sasaki's Stance

Mr. Sasaki believes old flowers can still be sold in a flower shop.

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Teruo's Dilemma

His struggle between doing his job and his feelings about old flowers.

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Importance of Selling

In a business, selling all available stock is crucial for profit.

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Improved Attitude

Teruo's cheerful demeanor the day after the confrontation.

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Teruo's Transformation

Teruo's shift from reluctance to confidently managing flower sales.

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Customer Interaction

Teruo's skill in assisting customers swiftly and confidently.

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Team Dynamics

The roles and attitudes among Teruo, Tommy, and others at work.

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Customer Service

The assistance and advice provided to customers.

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Teruo's Approach

Teruo gives extra flowers and advice to customers.

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Bouquet for Dinner

An inexpensive flower arrangement for a dining table.

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Gardenias Corsage

Teruo made a corsage from fresh gardenias instead of an orchid.

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Young Boy's Purchase

A boy seeks affordable flowers for his mother's birthday.

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Teruo's Multitasking

Teruo assists multiple customers efficiently at once.

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Teruo's Ethic

Teruo prioritizes customer happiness over making quick sales.

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Fresh Flowers

Flowers that have just arrived and will last longer.

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Old Flowers

Flowers that have been in the shop for several days.

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Customer Assurance

The act of assuring customers about flower freshness.

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Sales Technique

Method of convincing customers to buy.

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Job Security

The need to perform well to keep one's job.

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Learning Curve

The process of gaining skills and understanding.

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Conviction in Sales

The confidence displayed while selling products.

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Team Support

Helping coworkers learn and adapt.

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Study Notes

Say It With Flowers - Study Notes

  • Author: Toshio Mori, a Japanese American, wrote the story reflecting his background & experiences.
  • Setting: San Leandro, California, where he worked in a flower shop.
  • Inspiration: Mori's flower shop experience motivated the story "Say It With Flowers."
  • Collection: The story appeared in the author's first collection, "Yokohama, California," focusing on San Leandro and Oakland.
  • Character: Teruo, a new clerk, struggles with selling flowers and distinguishing between fresh and older flowers.
  • Issues: Teruo's perceived discomfort in selling older flowers as fresh creates anxieties and misunderstandings.
  • Boss: Mr. Sasaki, who owns the flower shop, is initially concerned with Teruo's approach.
  • Colleague: Tommy, a seasoned clerk, trains Teruo.
  • Techniques: Tommy emphasizes the importance of reassuring customers and confidently presenting the flowers as fresh, regardless of their age.
  • Solutions: Teruo initially struggles but learns to effectively sell the flowers, eventually becoming a competent clerk.
  • Conflict: Teruo's difficulty in confidently stating the flowers are fresh leads to internal conflict and anxiety.

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Related Documents

Say It with Flowers PDF

Description

Explore the themes, characters, and setting of 'Say It With Flowers' by Toshio Mori. This quiz covers the author's background, the dynamics of a flower shop, and the challenges faced by Teruo, the main character. Test your understanding of this poignant story and its insights into human interaction and perception.

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