Nicolette W. Perrault
The Woman Warrior
Daily discussions will be based on the following questions or statements. In the background the soft lyrics of the following Asian singers will help create an atmosphere which will enhance the discussion: Thuy Vi, Linda Trang Dai, Nhu Mai, Kieu Nga, and Nhat Ha.
No Name Woman
1.
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What unspoken story is revealed in this segment?
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2.
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Describe in detail the behavior of the villagers. Explain the behavior according to the text.
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3.
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Based on Chinese tradition were there any other alternatives for the aunt?
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4.
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What was the role of women in Chinese society? Select specific instances from the text to support your statements.
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5.
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What according to the speaker was the real punishment inflicted upon the aunt?
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6.
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Why does this aunt haunt the speaker?
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White Tiger
1.
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What would “talk story” be equivalent to in American tradition? Point out similarities and/or differences.
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2.
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Relate the story of Fa Mu Lan. Place emphasis on the dream-like description of the setting.
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3.
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What was the significance of the gourd? When was it used and why?
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4.
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When was the warrior’s level of tolerance for pain severely tested and why?
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5.
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How did the warrior meet her husband?
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6.
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What was the outcome of the woman warrior?
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7.
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Is there any American or English tale that comes to mind which parallels the woman warrior?
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8.
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How have childhood experiences affected the adult life of the speaker?
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9.
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What has the speaker learned from fairy tales? Cite specific examples from the text.
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10.
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Discuss the speaker’s view towards communism?
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Shaman
1.
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Discuss the speaker’s mother’s life after her husband’s departure for America.
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2.
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Why doesn’t the mother talk more about the loss of the two children?
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3.
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Describe her experiences in medical school.
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a)
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academic life
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b)
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dormitory life
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4.
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Recount in detail the encounter with the ghost.
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5.
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Upon graduation how was the mother received in the countryside?
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6.
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Slavery? Were you surprised?
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7.
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Discuss the circumstances surrounding the stoning of the crazy lady.
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8.
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How did the move to America affect the mother’s life?
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At the Western Palace
1.
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Describe the setting and mood which characterized the scene prior to the arrival of Moon Orchid.
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2.
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How were Moon Orchid and Brave Orchid similar, and how were they different?
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3.
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Describe the relationship between Moon Orchid and her nieces and nephews.
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4.
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What particular scene shows the “Americanization” of Brave Orchid?
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5.
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How did Brave Orchid deal with the mental deterioration of her sister?
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Song For A Barbarian Reed Pipe
1.
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Describe the speaker’s early school life.
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2.
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How did the speaker’s mother react when the delivery boy arrived at the laundry?
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3.
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What did you think about the entire taunting ordeal?
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4.
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What affect do you think the river pilot great uncle had on the speaker?
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5.
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Analyze the speaker’s relationship with her mother. Why had she come up with the list of things about herself that she wanted to share?
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6.
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What is the significance of the two talk stories at the end of the novel?
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Journal entries
1.
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Is the story easy or difficult to read?
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2.
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Predict the ending of the “talk story.”
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3.
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Do you know of anyone who has suffered from the same disease as Moon Orchid?
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4.
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How are women regarded in American society
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Assignments
1.
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Research some aspect of Chinese tradition and create an unusual “talk story” based on this age old custom.
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2.
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Write an essay comparing and contrasting the role of Chinese women from the past to those of the present. Which customs are still practiced today?
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3.
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Go to a museum and view Chinese art. Find commonalities in the art work. Get books on Chinese art and read about the form and style. Select a scene from the “talk story” of the woman warrior and bring it to life on silk screen.
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4.
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Write a composition which identifies at least three outstanding characteristics of the speaker in her early stages of development and support each one with at least two specific excerpts from the book.
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5.
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Read another work written by Maxine Hong Kingston. Write a critical analysis on the style, character development, and emotional appeal of the work.
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