For my third and final project the topic I chose is:
Choose a reading and considering the following:
What does this work reflect about its historical, social, political
and/or economic context? You may focus on race, class, power, cultural
values and beliefs, historical events, the author's biography, gender,
psychology, etc.
This topic interest me because the book I chose, The
Joy Luck Club is about a Chinese family that lives in San Francisco, CA.
I will be able to focus on the Chinese cultural values and beliefs. There are many Chinese cultural beliefs throughout this book.
One off the top of my head that I can think of is when the character, Jing-Mei Woo is given a jade pendant by her mother. Jade is known to bring good luck in the Chinese culture.
The following are quotes I can use to discuss the Chinese Culture and jade:
" I now wear the pendant every day. I think the carvings mean something,
because shapes and details, which I never seem to notice until after
they're pointed out to me, always mean something to Chinese people" (Tan,
197).
I also noticed that on Chinese New Year, a crab with a missing leg is a bad sign.
"'Put it back,'" whispered my mother. "'A missing leg is a bad sign on the Chinese New Year'" ( Tan, 200).
Also, that if a crab is put on the stove to cook after it is already dead it is no good.
"'That crab die. Even a beggar don't want it.'"..."'Why'd you cook it if you knew it was already dead?'" "'I thought...maybe only just die. Maybe taste not too bad. But I can smell, dead taste, not firm.'" (Tan, 207).
Chinese mothers show their love to their children by feeding them.
"'That's the way Chinese mothers show they love their children, not through hugs and kisses but with stern offerings of steamed dumplings, duck's gizzards, and crab" (Tan, 202).
Tan, Amy. The Joy Luck Club. Penguin Books, 2014, pp. 17-288.
Hi, Laura!
ReplyDeleteI have not read this book so I don't know what this is about besides that the plot discusses Chinese culture.
We chose the same prompt to write about haha. That is awesome! However, you chose to focus on the cultural values and beliefs part while I will focus on racial issues.
I found the end of your post interesting because it reminded me of the short Pixar movie "Bao." The woman who directed that short movie said that her mom, a Chinese immigrant, was the one who inspired her and she also said that Chinese people show love to their children through food.
I think you have a good handle on what you are going to write about, but since you did not mention that in this Action Plan, I would suggest you focus on the literary devices, too. I bet this story is full of symbolism—try to explore that!
Good luck on your final project!