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Readers > Everybody Reads > 2007 > Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

  1. Discuss the concept of “face” and what it means in Chinese culture and to the Chou family in particular. Discuss the concept of “hek fuh,” to swallow bitterness. Are these universal concepts? How do they influence the actions of each of the characters?
  2. In what ways is Su-Jen/Annie a child caught between two cultures? How does this affect her worldview?
  3. Sacrifice is an important theme in the novel. How does each character's understanding of sacrifice affect the lives of Su-Jen's father, mother and brother? How does Su-Jen's own understanding of sacrifice change over the course of the novel?
  4. How are the events in the story influenced by the Chou family's isolation from the larger urban Chinese community?
  5. How is Toronto's Chinatown similar to or different from other Chinatowns or Chinese quarters?
  6. By what means do Su-Jen's father, Hing-Wun; mother, Lai-Jing; and Uncle Yat keep Chinese culture alive in Canada? Consider their beliefs, values and daily activities.
  7. What role do the arts — stories and music — play in the novel, particularly in the lives of Hing-Wun and Su-Jen? Why do you think Hing-Wun shared the Shao Kun story with Su-Jen?
  8. Does the affair between Lai-Jing and Lee-Kung cause you to identify more with the family or less? Do you sympathize with Lai-Jing's behavior? How do you feel about Lee-Kung? Is anyone to blame? Does Hing-Wun deserve a portion of the blame?
  9. Did the affair cause you to question Lai-Jing's love for Su-Jen? Are these two separate but parallel kinds of love, or two competing ones? Is Lai-Jing really as trapped as she feels?
  10. In what ways do each of the family members express affection for each other? How is food used to express affection?
  11. As she grows up, Su-Jen feels pulled between her family and her new home. How do her relationships with her friends serve to highlight the tensions she feels within her own family?
  12. What qualities draw Su-Jen to Charlotte and to the Heighingtons? What does this tell us about Su-Jen?
  13. Describe each of the characters' ideas of success and prosperity. Do the characters seem obsessed with money and status? How do these concerns shape their lives? Are their fiscal and social concerns realistic? What do these different ideas of success say about each character?
  14. Discuss Su-Jen's confrontation with her parents. Does this change the relationships within her family or lessen tension?
  15. Has Su-Jen/Annie truly escaped the curse foretold in her book of fate? Why or why not?