World Literature, 1650-Present

Q1. In the conversation of Liusu and Liuyuan on page 2751, Liuyuan states, “Real Chinese women are the most beautiful women in the world. They are never out of fashion.” As the “unreal Chinese women” or  non-Chinese readers, what do you think about Liuyuan’s statement? Do you feel being offended or anything regarding to cultural identification? Explain your answer in details.

Q2. “I don’t know why,” said Liuyuan, looking at her,” but this wall makes me think of …, Liusu, you will honestly care about me, and I will honestly care about you.” (pg. 2753). What do you think about this statement? Hows Liusu and Liuyuan’s relationship at this time? Do they already love each other sincerely or still not yet? Why do you think so?

Q 1: What  was your first perception of Liusu  in the beginning of the story (p.2738-2739).How would you characterize her temper at that moment? Was she aggressive or her family made her feel that way?

Q 2: On the bottom of p. 2740 and the top of p.2741( it’s one paragraph) was  Fourth Mistress openhearted and honest  in her words about divorce and her worries about her family’s needs? Can you characterize Fourth Mistress as a  mercantilist woman ?why or why not?

1. On p. 2741 Mrs.Xu tells Liusu “someone so young can always find a way to make a life for herself”. Also, she tells on p. 2748 ” if she travels with us, there will be someone to take care of things”. Repetition on word “someone” make me wonder is there a special meaning or image that author trying to point to the reader and who is this someone?

2. Zhang wrote  ” let the lover finally understand each other, if only for a moment”. What kind of moment does he trying to point to? Is some kind of sexual meaning in it? And why is it “finally”?

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?

1. P2741(last paragraph) “ ‘if there were a way, I’d be long gone!’  Said Liusu. ‘I haven’t studied much, and I can’t lift and carry, so what kind of job can I get?’’ ” What is Liusu’s personal character according to her words.
2. P2761 second last paragraph until P2762 on the top. Liusu went to Hong Kong because of the pressure from her family instead of her love for Liuyuan. This shows what social status did Liusu stand and why.
3. P2763(third paragraph) “She touched it with index finger…of the plaster wall.” Why Liusu’s behavior was so crazy and what emotion Liusu had when she did this.