1. Why do you think Toyo-o continues to be involved with Manago even after he suspects that she is a demon of some sort?
2. Why do you think people (both in the 18th century, when Akinari was writing, and in our own day) are attracted to ghost stories or tales of the supernatural?
3. Does “Bewitched” have anything to teach its readers? If so, what? What is Akinari’s message in this text?
4. The text describes Manago as”bewitchingly voluptuous.” What does the character of Manago tell us about feminine beauty?

— Discuss the theme of appearances or masks in Tartuffe? How does the issue of appearances vs. reality connect with the central concerns of the play?

— Discuss the role of Dorine, Mariane’s lady maid. What kind of servant is she? What role does she play in the action of the drama?

— How is the institution of marriage treated in Tartuffe? What are some of the models or ideals of marriage that are raised by Moliere or his characters?

— Describe the character of Orgon. Why do you think he’s so vulnerable to Tartuffe?

— Can you think of a contemporary example of the kind of religious hypocrisy exemplified in Tartuffe?

— Describe one aspect of the play that seems very modern to you and one that seems very dated or old-fashioned.

Respond to one of the following questions by commenting on this post. You may also feel free to respond to comments posted by your classmates!

-What’s the connection between the broad historical material about the Ming Dynasty that begins the story and the narrative about Du Tenth and Li Jia’s relationship that follows?

-What kind of person is Li Jia? Does his behavior at the end of the story come as a surprise? Why or why not?

-How are courtesans represented in the story? Why do you think Feng Menglong chooses to depict them this way?

-Money plays a central role in the story. What does “Du Tenth Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger” seem to be saying about the relationship between money and love?

-Feng Menglong was interested in using literature to teach morality. What lesson is being imparted by this text?

This will be our class blog for ENG2850 HMWC!  Please get into the habit of checking this site regularly for updates to our syllabus, links to readings, and other announcements!   I will be posting a set of discussion questions for each of the texts we’ll be reading. Questions will be posted before our class discussions.  Each week you are responsible for posting a response on the blog to at least one of the questions.

You are, no doubt, more technologically savvy than I am, but please let me know if you run into any difficulties navigating the site or accessing the materials!  The best way to reach me is by email at [email protected].  I am looking forward to a fantastic semester!!!

Jennifer Sylvor