1. In pages 2746-7, Ailing lays out the entire “plot” or “premise” of the book.  What is it and how is every character affected by this belief?  Furthermore, is such a premise true for our modern American culture?  If not, is there any culture that you know of that this is still representative of?

2. On page 2751 there is a very general representation of men made.  How is this true of Liuyuan?  How is this not true of him?  Or does he represents something other than the typical or atypical man?  Something not really real?  Does it really matter who or what he represents?