P. 61-79
22. What task does Four-Eyes’ mother set forth for him to complete in order to get off the mountain? How and why does he hail at this task?
Four Eyes’ mother has a friend who is the editor in chief of a journal devoted to revolutionary literature, so his mother asks him to collect folk songs by recording them down. If he completes this task then he can maybe work for the journal. He fails at this task because the old miller offers him “Jade dumplings with miller sauce” but he refuses. As a result, the old miller gets angry and does not sing anymore.
23. How do Luo and the narrator appear to the old miller on Tounsand-Metre-Cliff? What do they change about themselves and why? Does this work on the old miller?
They disguise themselves as communist party officers speak Mandarin not their own dialect. They say to the old miller that they are publishing an official government journal and it is his duty to sing folk songs for the journal.
24. What actions do Luo and the narrator take that Four-Eyes did not in order to gain the old man’s trust and songs?
They eat the “Jade dumpling with miller sauce”
25. Four Eyes’ mother suggests that he find “sincere, authentic folk songs full of romantic realism”(64). What types of songs is she asking for him to find? Can you provide an example of a modern day song that is full of romantic realism? What types of songs does the miller give Luo and the narrator? How would you classify the songs?
She wants the songs that are historical and cultural. Also, the songs have to be touching, serious, emotional and romantic. One example of a modern day song that is full of romantic realism is “Gotta Go my Own Way” from “High School Musical”. The female singer sings about wanting to break up with her boyfriend to pursue her dreams. The Miller’s songs are humorous or as Four Eyes calls it “Smutty rhymes”.
26. Four-Eyes asks the boys the central questions of the text. He exclaims, “What is it with you two, always going for stuff that is forbidden?”(77) Why do Luo and the narrator continue to hunt for the forbidden? Are they smart, dumb, lucky or unaware of their actions and the consequences?
Luo and the narrator continue to hunt for the forbidden because they want to learn more and they do not want to limit themselves. This is because they are at a coming of age. I do not thinkg that they are dumb. I think that they have a passionate thirst for knowledge. They are aware of their actions and consequences but because of their youth and their passion, they are fearless.
27. Why does the narrator fight Four-Eyes? What is he defending and is he justified?
Four Eyes is angry at them and threatens them. Four-Eyes also does not want to give them many books. Four-Eyes in the end, changes the songs lyrics, “Tell me, little bourgeois lice, what do they fear? They fear the boiling wave of the proletariat.” This causes the narrator get angry so he fight Four-Eyes. I think he is not justified because he could not master his anger but fight Four Eyes.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(8)
P.158-184
50. What news does the Little Seamstress tell the narrator? What are the conflicts that arise with this news for her and Luo? What does the narrator offer to do? Analyze the law and the cultural mores that cause the situation to be unresolvable.
The Little Seamstress tells to the narrator that she had missed two periods. So her father would kill Luo when he finds out this problem because he is responsible for it. The narrator offers to find that if she can get help from the gynecology department at the hospital in Yong Jing and the narrator goes there. There were laws that they could not go ahead and have the child before marrying, and the law prohibited abortion. So, these laws make the Little Seamstress’s problem not to be solved.
51. What does the narrator state would be his parents’ opinion of the situation with the Little Seamstress? Why is this a crime that transcends the Cultural Revolution?
The narrator states that his parents would throw them at once without giving him a chance to explain the situation. It is a crime that transcends the Cultural Revolution because the situation like this is not acceptable at that time and people could not understand it.
52. Why does the narrator think that the preacher who banned from his faith would be a good accomplice in trying to help the Little Seamstress? How does the preacher stick to his beliefs even at his dying words?
The narrator might think that the preacher could understand the situation. The preacher sticks to his beliefs even at his dying words by saying his final prayer in Latin.53. How does the narrator convince the doctor to perform the abortion for the Little Seamstress?
He promises to the doctor that he would give him a book by Balzac. And he shows the doctor his sheepskin jacket which the scripts from Balzac were written when the doctor could not believe him since the narrator lied once.
54. In the final chapter, the narrator recounts the warning signs that the Little Seamstress exhibited before leaving the mountain. List her physical changes. Also, what does Luo think about her physical transformation and his role in this?
The little Seamstress made herself a brassiere. Luo thought that she is to be like a city girl. And she reformed the jacket which the narrator wore once when he went to the old miller. She had taken the seams in and shorten it to make it look more like a woman’s garment, but had kept the four pockets and little stand-up color. Also, she asked her father to buy her a pair of white tennis shoes at the store in Yong Jing. Luo was delighted with her transformation, although he was as surprised as the narrator.
55. Why does the narrator suggest that he is upset by the Little Seamstress’ leaving? Why else could he be upset?
The narrator was upset by the Little Seamstress’ leaving because he liked her a lot. Besides, I think that he was upset because of the fact that he was merely an onlooker.
56. The book ends with the statement by Luo that the Little Seamstress “wants’ go to the city…she said she had learnt one thing from Balzac: that a woman’s beauty is a treasure beyond price”(184). What does she mean by this statement? How does the Little Seamstress’ reeducation by the boys backfire?
I think she means that she had learnt such a great thing and she wanted to find the treasure of woman in the city. The Little Seamstress was reeducated by the boys. She learns about western society and culture through the western literature. And this kind of learning leads her to leave the village to go to the city. She has a desire to see the world widely and deeply.
57. Look back to the beginning of the last chapter and the actions being performed by Luo and the narrator. Why are they burning the books and lamenting through the narrator’s music? What is this a purging of for the boys?
The boys burn the books because the books lead the Little Seamstress to leave influencing her strongly. So they might not want to read those books anymore. Also, they used to read books to her so they do not want to keep the books because they would remind her when they read the books. And they want to erase their memories about the Little Seamstress by burning books.
58. Did Luo and the narrator become reeducated? Did the goals of the Cultural Revolution works?
I think they are reeducated because they learned a lot of things through reeducation. They at least learned the life in the village and became to know how to work at the village. By these points, I think the goals of the Cultural Revolution worked.
50. What news does the Little Seamstress tell the narrator? What are the conflicts that arise with this news for her and Luo? What does the narrator offer to do? Analyze the law and the cultural mores that cause the situation to be unresolvable.
The Little Seamstress tells to the narrator that she had missed two periods. So her father would kill Luo when he finds out this problem because he is responsible for it. The narrator offers to find that if she can get help from the gynecology department at the hospital in Yong Jing and the narrator goes there. There were laws that they could not go ahead and have the child before marrying, and the law prohibited abortion. So, these laws make the Little Seamstress’s problem not to be solved.
51. What does the narrator state would be his parents’ opinion of the situation with the Little Seamstress? Why is this a crime that transcends the Cultural Revolution?
The narrator states that his parents would throw them at once without giving him a chance to explain the situation. It is a crime that transcends the Cultural Revolution because the situation like this is not acceptable at that time and people could not understand it.
52. Why does the narrator think that the preacher who banned from his faith would be a good accomplice in trying to help the Little Seamstress? How does the preacher stick to his beliefs even at his dying words?
The narrator might think that the preacher could understand the situation. The preacher sticks to his beliefs even at his dying words by saying his final prayer in Latin.53. How does the narrator convince the doctor to perform the abortion for the Little Seamstress?
He promises to the doctor that he would give him a book by Balzac. And he shows the doctor his sheepskin jacket which the scripts from Balzac were written when the doctor could not believe him since the narrator lied once.
54. In the final chapter, the narrator recounts the warning signs that the Little Seamstress exhibited before leaving the mountain. List her physical changes. Also, what does Luo think about her physical transformation and his role in this?
The little Seamstress made herself a brassiere. Luo thought that she is to be like a city girl. And she reformed the jacket which the narrator wore once when he went to the old miller. She had taken the seams in and shorten it to make it look more like a woman’s garment, but had kept the four pockets and little stand-up color. Also, she asked her father to buy her a pair of white tennis shoes at the store in Yong Jing. Luo was delighted with her transformation, although he was as surprised as the narrator.
55. Why does the narrator suggest that he is upset by the Little Seamstress’ leaving? Why else could he be upset?
The narrator was upset by the Little Seamstress’ leaving because he liked her a lot. Besides, I think that he was upset because of the fact that he was merely an onlooker.
56. The book ends with the statement by Luo that the Little Seamstress “wants’ go to the city…she said she had learnt one thing from Balzac: that a woman’s beauty is a treasure beyond price”(184). What does she mean by this statement? How does the Little Seamstress’ reeducation by the boys backfire?
I think she means that she had learnt such a great thing and she wanted to find the treasure of woman in the city. The Little Seamstress was reeducated by the boys. She learns about western society and culture through the western literature. And this kind of learning leads her to leave the village to go to the city. She has a desire to see the world widely and deeply.
57. Look back to the beginning of the last chapter and the actions being performed by Luo and the narrator. Why are they burning the books and lamenting through the narrator’s music? What is this a purging of for the boys?
The boys burn the books because the books lead the Little Seamstress to leave influencing her strongly. So they might not want to read those books anymore. Also, they used to read books to her so they do not want to keep the books because they would remind her when they read the books. And they want to erase their memories about the Little Seamstress by burning books.
58. Did Luo and the narrator become reeducated? Did the goals of the Cultural Revolution works?
I think they are reeducated because they learned a lot of things through reeducation. They at least learned the life in the village and became to know how to work at the village. By these points, I think the goals of the Cultural Revolution worked.
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(7)
p. 131-157
46. Why does the narrator say, “I had turned into a sadist—an out and out sadist”(134)? Do you agree with his label?
The narrator says that quotes because he feels pleasure by inflicting pain to the village headman. I agree with his label because he can feel that happiness through the pain of village headman who bothers him and Luo since they came to the village.
47. On p. 135-146, we are given 3 separate accounts of the same after noon. For each of the stories, analyze the significance of what they drew from that afternoon. The old Miller: What does he realize in seeing Luo and the Little seamstress by the lake? Luo: What does Luo see in the actions of the Little Seamstress and his own fate?
The old Miller felt ashamed because he was so keenly aware of being an old man whose body was limp where it was not bony. And Luo see that the Little Seamstress is the only person in the world who still believes that Luo would need his keys again some day when he releases from re-education. Luo and the Little Seamstress like to play the key ring game each time they when to the secluded mountain pool. According to the Little Seamstress she just love pleasing Luo, and that’s all there is to it. However, today the Little Seamstress could not find the keys because the snake bit her. Therefore, Luo has to return to his parents’ house without his keys and it is very ironic.
48. When Luo leaves to tend to his mother, he entrusts the narrator to take care of the Little Seamstress. How does the narrator conceive of his role of caretaker? Analyze how he becomes a character like the ones in the books he has been reading.
The narrator was surprised and flattered by his request, and promised to do as he instructed because the narrator thinks that the request is the evidence of his trust in the narrator. He tries to help the Little Seamstress and takes care of her as if he is an undercover agent bravely with a sense of responsibility.
49. What function does the narrator play in the Little Seamstress’ world? Why is he tormented by the local city youth? What is his response to their attack when he is alone and what part does the Little Seamstress play?The narrator was a story teller, cook, laundryman, and manicurist. He was tormented by the local city youth because they feel jealous of the narrator who is close to the Little Seamstress. When he is attacked by them he could not respond anything to them. However, the Little Seamstress could not even recognize that the narrator hurt his left ear because of the local city youth.
46. Why does the narrator say, “I had turned into a sadist—an out and out sadist”(134)? Do you agree with his label?
The narrator says that quotes because he feels pleasure by inflicting pain to the village headman. I agree with his label because he can feel that happiness through the pain of village headman who bothers him and Luo since they came to the village.
47. On p. 135-146, we are given 3 separate accounts of the same after noon. For each of the stories, analyze the significance of what they drew from that afternoon. The old Miller: What does he realize in seeing Luo and the Little seamstress by the lake? Luo: What does Luo see in the actions of the Little Seamstress and his own fate?
The old Miller felt ashamed because he was so keenly aware of being an old man whose body was limp where it was not bony. And Luo see that the Little Seamstress is the only person in the world who still believes that Luo would need his keys again some day when he releases from re-education. Luo and the Little Seamstress like to play the key ring game each time they when to the secluded mountain pool. According to the Little Seamstress she just love pleasing Luo, and that’s all there is to it. However, today the Little Seamstress could not find the keys because the snake bit her. Therefore, Luo has to return to his parents’ house without his keys and it is very ironic.
48. When Luo leaves to tend to his mother, he entrusts the narrator to take care of the Little Seamstress. How does the narrator conceive of his role of caretaker? Analyze how he becomes a character like the ones in the books he has been reading.
The narrator was surprised and flattered by his request, and promised to do as he instructed because the narrator thinks that the request is the evidence of his trust in the narrator. He tries to help the Little Seamstress and takes care of her as if he is an undercover agent bravely with a sense of responsibility.
49. What function does the narrator play in the Little Seamstress’ world? Why is he tormented by the local city youth? What is his response to their attack when he is alone and what part does the Little Seamstress play?The narrator was a story teller, cook, laundryman, and manicurist. He was tormented by the local city youth because they feel jealous of the narrator who is close to the Little Seamstress. When he is attacked by them he could not respond anything to them. However, the Little Seamstress could not even recognize that the narrator hurt his left ear because of the local city youth.
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(6)
P. 109-130
39. What themes in the Western books most captured the boys’ attention? How did these open up a new world to them?
The mystery of the outside world, especially the world of women, love and sex as revealed in the Western books most captured the boys’ attention. The boys became to know more about things relates to a new world such as Western countries. Everything in the books was strange and interesting to them.
40. The narrator recounts that Romain Rolland’s Jean-Christophe captured his attention more than any other. What theme from the novel attracted the narrator? Why would this theme be such a revolutionary idea?
Jean-Christophe’s fierce individualism utterly untainted by malice captured the narrator’s attention. It is a revolutionary idea because China was a strongly communist society so individualism was completely eliminated at that time. The narrator states that his poor educated and re-educated brains bad been incapable of grasping the notion o one man standing up against the whole world. In communist society, individuals can not against the whole world. And if you do, you are executed. Therefore, this theme was one of thoroughly forbidden themes.
41. Analyze the importance of Luo’s adventures to the Little Seamstress. What does a red-beaked raven have to do with his journey?
Luo really wants to go to the Little Seamstress even though it is hard to him to cross the ridge since he has a dread of heights. It shows us that how Luo wants to see and read books to the Little Seamstress because he tries to master his fear for the Little Seamstress.
42. Analyze the meaning behind the narrator’s dream. What does it portent about the future of Luo and the Little Seamstress?
In my opinion, it is an ominous dream of Luo and the Little Seamstress’ future. Because the Little Seamstress hair wasn’t tied back into her usual long, thick pigtail, and as she ran, her hair floated out over her shoulders like wings. It means that she has been changed. Also, I think that the simile, wings expresses the appearance of week and thin girl. Besides, the Little Seamstress died but Luo could not help her not to fall over the side. I think love of Luo and the Little Seamstress would end would end sadly.
43. What does the village headman ask Luo to do when he returns to the village? What does this say about the rules of the Cultural Revolution and the knowledge that is banned?
The village headman asks Luo to fix his tooth when he returns to the village. It says about the rules of the Cultural Revolution that patients could not complain to the revolutionary doctors because the village headman could not even complain to the revolutionary doctor who pulled out a good tooth and left the bad one even though he is really painful. Also, it says about the western knowledge that is banned.
44. The Little Seamstress’ father stays with Luo and the narrator when he visits the village. What is the reason for his choice of accommodations and what surprising thing does the narrator do for him?
The Little Seamstress’ father wants them to tell stories and it was the reason for his choice of accommodation. So the narrator takes on the role of bedtime story teller. He tells the story about a French sailor to the tailor.
45. When the village headman overhears the narrator telling the tale of the Count of Monte Cristo, he barges into the boys home. Why does he protest against the story? What does he insist that the narrator do? What is the narrator’s response? What is the village headman’s only alternative?
The village headman protests against the story because he thinks that the narrator has been spreading reactionary trash and the count in the narrator’s story is Chinese who reacts to communism. He strongly insists that the narrator tells the reactionary story so the narrator says that it is not but he did not believe the narrator. The village headman said that if Luo can cure his tooth, he’ll leave his friend here alone. If not, he’ll march him straight to the Security Office and report him for spreading reactionary filth.
39. What themes in the Western books most captured the boys’ attention? How did these open up a new world to them?
The mystery of the outside world, especially the world of women, love and sex as revealed in the Western books most captured the boys’ attention. The boys became to know more about things relates to a new world such as Western countries. Everything in the books was strange and interesting to them.
40. The narrator recounts that Romain Rolland’s Jean-Christophe captured his attention more than any other. What theme from the novel attracted the narrator? Why would this theme be such a revolutionary idea?
Jean-Christophe’s fierce individualism utterly untainted by malice captured the narrator’s attention. It is a revolutionary idea because China was a strongly communist society so individualism was completely eliminated at that time. The narrator states that his poor educated and re-educated brains bad been incapable of grasping the notion o one man standing up against the whole world. In communist society, individuals can not against the whole world. And if you do, you are executed. Therefore, this theme was one of thoroughly forbidden themes.
41. Analyze the importance of Luo’s adventures to the Little Seamstress. What does a red-beaked raven have to do with his journey?
Luo really wants to go to the Little Seamstress even though it is hard to him to cross the ridge since he has a dread of heights. It shows us that how Luo wants to see and read books to the Little Seamstress because he tries to master his fear for the Little Seamstress.
42. Analyze the meaning behind the narrator’s dream. What does it portent about the future of Luo and the Little Seamstress?
In my opinion, it is an ominous dream of Luo and the Little Seamstress’ future. Because the Little Seamstress hair wasn’t tied back into her usual long, thick pigtail, and as she ran, her hair floated out over her shoulders like wings. It means that she has been changed. Also, I think that the simile, wings expresses the appearance of week and thin girl. Besides, the Little Seamstress died but Luo could not help her not to fall over the side. I think love of Luo and the Little Seamstress would end would end sadly.
43. What does the village headman ask Luo to do when he returns to the village? What does this say about the rules of the Cultural Revolution and the knowledge that is banned?
The village headman asks Luo to fix his tooth when he returns to the village. It says about the rules of the Cultural Revolution that patients could not complain to the revolutionary doctors because the village headman could not even complain to the revolutionary doctor who pulled out a good tooth and left the bad one even though he is really painful. Also, it says about the western knowledge that is banned.
44. The Little Seamstress’ father stays with Luo and the narrator when he visits the village. What is the reason for his choice of accommodations and what surprising thing does the narrator do for him?
The Little Seamstress’ father wants them to tell stories and it was the reason for his choice of accommodation. So the narrator takes on the role of bedtime story teller. He tells the story about a French sailor to the tailor.
45. When the village headman overhears the narrator telling the tale of the Count of Monte Cristo, he barges into the boys home. Why does he protest against the story? What does he insist that the narrator do? What is the narrator’s response? What is the village headman’s only alternative?
The village headman protests against the story because he thinks that the narrator has been spreading reactionary trash and the count in the narrator’s story is Chinese who reacts to communism. He strongly insists that the narrator tells the reactionary story so the narrator says that it is not but he did not believe the narrator. The village headman said that if Luo can cure his tooth, he’ll leave his friend here alone. If not, he’ll march him straight to the Security Office and report him for spreading reactionary filth.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(5)
p. 80-105
28. Describe the setting of Yong Jing. What elements of city life are there?
According to Luo, “Yong Jing is so small that when the local canteen prepared a dish of beef and onions the smell reached the nose of every single inhabitant.” In addition, the narrator states about the elements of city life, “the town wasn’t much more than a single high street about two hundred metres long; with a post office, town hall, general store, library and school. There was also a restaurant attached to the hotel, which had a dozen rooms. At the far end of the town, halfway up a hill, was the district hospital.”
29. Who is the woman that has come to Phoenix Mountain to claim her son? Why does the narrator tell her his name is Luo? What does she mean when she states, “Right now, ignorance is in fashion, but one day the need for good doctors will be recognized one more.”(86)
Four Eyes mother has come to Phoenix Mountain to claim her son, Four Eyes. In my opinion, when she states the quotation, she means that the social situation right now is not good for Luo’s father who became the class enemy but there would be someday that good doctors are needed. She is trying to comfort Luo, who is in fact the narrator.
30. Whose idea is it to steal Four Eyes’ books? Why is this an interesting development?
To steal Four Eyes’ books was the Little Seamstress’ idea. It is an interesting development because the Little Seamstress was only a girl at the countryside who does not even graduate from elementary school but she is willing to read books and wanting to know more about the western society. She seems like awakening as an influence of both Luo and the narrator.
31. Why was the buffalo for the farewell feast pushed off the side of the mountain?
The headman did it to congulatulate Four Eyes’ release from re-educating because the headman kind of likes Four Eyes’ mother.
32. At the buffalo’s “execution,” Four Eyes and the head master collect the blood in bamboo leaves in order to drink it. It is explained to Luo by a villager that “It(blood) is a remedy against cowardice. To gain courage, you must swallow it when it’s still lukewarm and frothy. Shortly thereafter, the narrator wonders hw Four Eyes’ mother would feel about the blood drinking tradition. Analyze the importance of this moment in relation to Four Eyes’ character and his reeducation. Has reeducation worked?
I think his desire to gain courage leads him to drink the blood. In my opinion, reeducation has worked because he has been changed. If he was not sent to be reeducated, he could not even think of drinking the buffalo’s blood to get courage.
33. Contrast the function of the 5 sorceresses at Four Eyes feast to their appearance at Luo’s bedside at the Little Seamstress. What appears to be their function in the story?
At Four Eyes feast there was not just the one sorceress with a bow and arrow and all of them had it. I think their function is to get rid of bad things by performing their own ceremony.
34. When Luo, the narrator, and the Little Seamstress find the suitcase full of books, the narrator states, “Brushing them with the tips of my fingers made me fell as if my pale hands were in touch with human lives”(99). Why would these books have such a profound effect on him? Why does he also express anger at being denied such books?
These books have such a profound effect on him because he really wants to read these books even though they are forbidden. And he expresses anger being denied such books because he got angry at those people who made these western books forbidden.
35. What is the dilemma the boys face in actually taking the books? What are the potential outcomes of the books disappearance?
The narrator does not want to take all of the books because he is worried about that if Four Eyes informs the situation. But Luo wants to read all of them. Eventually, they take the suitcase with all the books in it. If books are disappeared, Four Eyes might inform it and then they would be in trouble because it is the forbidden books.
36. What purpose does Luo see in taking the books?
Luo wants to teach the Little Seamstress, so that he wants her to live not just like a simple mountain girl.
37. With the admittance by Four Eyes that he never considered the narrator and Luo friends, are the boys justified in taking the books?
No. They just do what they want to. There is nothing important than the books to them at that time.
38. What is the irony in the buffalo tail Four Eyes packs in the suitcase?
According to the narrator, “The tail was exceptionally long, and no doubt once belonged to the unfortunate buffalo responsible for breaking Four Eyes’ glasses.
28. Describe the setting of Yong Jing. What elements of city life are there?
According to Luo, “Yong Jing is so small that when the local canteen prepared a dish of beef and onions the smell reached the nose of every single inhabitant.” In addition, the narrator states about the elements of city life, “the town wasn’t much more than a single high street about two hundred metres long; with a post office, town hall, general store, library and school. There was also a restaurant attached to the hotel, which had a dozen rooms. At the far end of the town, halfway up a hill, was the district hospital.”
29. Who is the woman that has come to Phoenix Mountain to claim her son? Why does the narrator tell her his name is Luo? What does she mean when she states, “Right now, ignorance is in fashion, but one day the need for good doctors will be recognized one more.”(86)
Four Eyes mother has come to Phoenix Mountain to claim her son, Four Eyes. In my opinion, when she states the quotation, she means that the social situation right now is not good for Luo’s father who became the class enemy but there would be someday that good doctors are needed. She is trying to comfort Luo, who is in fact the narrator.
30. Whose idea is it to steal Four Eyes’ books? Why is this an interesting development?
To steal Four Eyes’ books was the Little Seamstress’ idea. It is an interesting development because the Little Seamstress was only a girl at the countryside who does not even graduate from elementary school but she is willing to read books and wanting to know more about the western society. She seems like awakening as an influence of both Luo and the narrator.
31. Why was the buffalo for the farewell feast pushed off the side of the mountain?
The headman did it to congulatulate Four Eyes’ release from re-educating because the headman kind of likes Four Eyes’ mother.
32. At the buffalo’s “execution,” Four Eyes and the head master collect the blood in bamboo leaves in order to drink it. It is explained to Luo by a villager that “It(blood) is a remedy against cowardice. To gain courage, you must swallow it when it’s still lukewarm and frothy. Shortly thereafter, the narrator wonders hw Four Eyes’ mother would feel about the blood drinking tradition. Analyze the importance of this moment in relation to Four Eyes’ character and his reeducation. Has reeducation worked?
I think his desire to gain courage leads him to drink the blood. In my opinion, reeducation has worked because he has been changed. If he was not sent to be reeducated, he could not even think of drinking the buffalo’s blood to get courage.
33. Contrast the function of the 5 sorceresses at Four Eyes feast to their appearance at Luo’s bedside at the Little Seamstress. What appears to be their function in the story?
At Four Eyes feast there was not just the one sorceress with a bow and arrow and all of them had it. I think their function is to get rid of bad things by performing their own ceremony.
34. When Luo, the narrator, and the Little Seamstress find the suitcase full of books, the narrator states, “Brushing them with the tips of my fingers made me fell as if my pale hands were in touch with human lives”(99). Why would these books have such a profound effect on him? Why does he also express anger at being denied such books?
These books have such a profound effect on him because he really wants to read these books even though they are forbidden. And he expresses anger being denied such books because he got angry at those people who made these western books forbidden.
35. What is the dilemma the boys face in actually taking the books? What are the potential outcomes of the books disappearance?
The narrator does not want to take all of the books because he is worried about that if Four Eyes informs the situation. But Luo wants to read all of them. Eventually, they take the suitcase with all the books in it. If books are disappeared, Four Eyes might inform it and then they would be in trouble because it is the forbidden books.
36. What purpose does Luo see in taking the books?
Luo wants to teach the Little Seamstress, so that he wants her to live not just like a simple mountain girl.
37. With the admittance by Four Eyes that he never considered the narrator and Luo friends, are the boys justified in taking the books?
No. They just do what they want to. There is nothing important than the books to them at that time.
38. What is the irony in the buffalo tail Four Eyes packs in the suitcase?
According to the narrator, “The tail was exceptionally long, and no doubt once belonged to the unfortunate buffalo responsible for breaking Four Eyes’ glasses.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Reflection on the Movie and the Book: Balzac and the Little Seamstress
Both the movie and the book, Balzac and the Little Seamstress, are really impressive in their own ways. When I read the book, it was good to imagine the outlooks of the characters, the situations and the background. I felt more creative while I read the book. And in my opinion, book was more describtive so I could be aware of the situations and events more.
However, when I watched the movie, it was very interesting to watch how the actors and actress are acting the characters in their interpretations. Also, to watch the scenes in specific places with the characters was helpful to understand the story. But the movie's story was slightly different from the book. So, I was kind of confused. Especially, the concluding part was very different becuase the story which is happening in the future was added in the movie. I think it is a good idea to show the audience Ma and Luo's future. However, I strongly believe that if the movie was made based on the book, the movie should not change the sotry.
Overall, both of movie and the book are well made and well written. But I like the book version better because I like to imaginate while I read the book. I do not want to limit myself watching the movies.
However, when I watched the movie, it was very interesting to watch how the actors and actress are acting the characters in their interpretations. Also, to watch the scenes in specific places with the characters was helpful to understand the story. But the movie's story was slightly different from the book. So, I was kind of confused. Especially, the concluding part was very different becuase the story which is happening in the future was added in the movie. I think it is a good idea to show the audience Ma and Luo's future. However, I strongly believe that if the movie was made based on the book, the movie should not change the sotry.
Overall, both of movie and the book are well made and well written. But I like the book version better because I like to imaginate while I read the book. I do not want to limit myself watching the movies.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(3)
p. 45-61
Vocabulary-Synonym-Antonym
Sadistic-cruel-merciful
Vigilance-caution-carelessness
Substantiate-support-contradict
Garish-gaudy-conservative
Myopia-cannot be found-hypermetropia
Belligerent-aggressive-friendly
Redolent-reminiscent-cannot be found
Somnambulates-sleepwalk-awaken
16. Describe Four-Eyes. Where does he live, what is his background, and what is his personality?
He lives at the lower slope of Phoenix Mountain. He is also from the bourgeoisie. His father is the narrator, and his mother is the poet. His parents were disgraced so he had to be sent to be re educated. He lives in perpetual fear because he is worried about going back home. He knows that if the peasants do not think that he does a good work, then he cannot go back home.
17. What happened to all of the Western Literature in China at the advent of the Cultural Revolution? Why would such books be banned and why do they hold such a mystique for Luo and the Narrator?
All of western literature was banned in China except for Mao’s book as part of the communist reeducation. The banned books hold such a mystique because the books were forbidden and also they wanted to know more about western culture.
18. How is the breaking of Four -Eyes glasses symbolic of his state of being on the mountain? How do the boys use this to their advantage?
Without his glasses, he would not be able to work and therefore might not be able to go home. The breaking of his glasses is symbolic of his state of being because he feels very lost when his glasses are broken. So Luo and the narrator helped four-eyes and he lent them a book.
19. Why does the narrator feel a pang of jealousy when Luo goes to tell the Little Seamstress to Balzac story? How does this tie into the themes that are in the book and new awakening he is feeling?
He is jealous because he likes the seamstress which is a sign of his development into adulthood that is a theme in the novel. The new awakenings that he is feeling are desire, passion and love which are all not in line with the communist ideology.
20. Where does the narrator copy passages form Balzac’s book? Why is this placement symbolic to his situation? Is there a blending here of the old world and the new? Why does the narrator feel such a strong connection to the Balzac story?
The narrator copies passages on the sheepskin coat. He writes it on the inside of the sheepskin coat because he has to hide it from everyone which is symbolic of his lack of freedom. The story “Ursule Mirout” has elements of both the new world and the old world. In terms of the new word, it is a strongly about lifestyle of the upper class in France. In terms of the old world, the story has a theme of money and the parts about magnetism and somnambulism.
21. What occurs at the end of the chapter between Luo and the Little Seamstress? How is the literature responsible for their actions? Can literature be dangerous?
They made love. The literature has themes of love, desire and passion, so these themes combined with their repression may have started their actions. Sometimes, some books have themes and ideas that can strongly influence the readers. I think that the characters in the story due to their repressed situation may have been more easily influenced.
Vocabulary-Synonym-Antonym
Sadistic-cruel-merciful
Vigilance-caution-carelessness
Substantiate-support-contradict
Garish-gaudy-conservative
Myopia-cannot be found-hypermetropia
Belligerent-aggressive-friendly
Redolent-reminiscent-cannot be found
Somnambulates-sleepwalk-awaken
16. Describe Four-Eyes. Where does he live, what is his background, and what is his personality?
He lives at the lower slope of Phoenix Mountain. He is also from the bourgeoisie. His father is the narrator, and his mother is the poet. His parents were disgraced so he had to be sent to be re educated. He lives in perpetual fear because he is worried about going back home. He knows that if the peasants do not think that he does a good work, then he cannot go back home.
17. What happened to all of the Western Literature in China at the advent of the Cultural Revolution? Why would such books be banned and why do they hold such a mystique for Luo and the Narrator?
All of western literature was banned in China except for Mao’s book as part of the communist reeducation. The banned books hold such a mystique because the books were forbidden and also they wanted to know more about western culture.
18. How is the breaking of Four -Eyes glasses symbolic of his state of being on the mountain? How do the boys use this to their advantage?
Without his glasses, he would not be able to work and therefore might not be able to go home. The breaking of his glasses is symbolic of his state of being because he feels very lost when his glasses are broken. So Luo and the narrator helped four-eyes and he lent them a book.
19. Why does the narrator feel a pang of jealousy when Luo goes to tell the Little Seamstress to Balzac story? How does this tie into the themes that are in the book and new awakening he is feeling?
He is jealous because he likes the seamstress which is a sign of his development into adulthood that is a theme in the novel. The new awakenings that he is feeling are desire, passion and love which are all not in line with the communist ideology.
20. Where does the narrator copy passages form Balzac’s book? Why is this placement symbolic to his situation? Is there a blending here of the old world and the new? Why does the narrator feel such a strong connection to the Balzac story?
The narrator copies passages on the sheepskin coat. He writes it on the inside of the sheepskin coat because he has to hide it from everyone which is symbolic of his lack of freedom. The story “Ursule Mirout” has elements of both the new world and the old world. In terms of the new word, it is a strongly about lifestyle of the upper class in France. In terms of the old world, the story has a theme of money and the parts about magnetism and somnambulism.
21. What occurs at the end of the chapter between Luo and the Little Seamstress? How is the literature responsible for their actions? Can literature be dangerous?
They made love. The literature has themes of love, desire and passion, so these themes combined with their repression may have started their actions. Sometimes, some books have themes and ideas that can strongly influence the readers. I think that the characters in the story due to their repressed situation may have been more easily influenced.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Balac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(2)
P. 21-41
Vocabulary-Synonym-Antonym
Prudent-cautious-careless
Pitiless-merciless-kind
Capricious-unpredictable-firm
Precarious-insecure-certain
Anthracite-the type of the coal-cannot be found
Livid-angry-delighted
Poultice-poultice-cannot be found
10. What details from the text suggest that the Chinese Seamstress is different form other people on the mountain?
The Chinese Seamstress is different from other people on the mountain because she wears shoes whereas the village people are barefoot. The author describes her as fine feet and ankles which show that maybe she does not do hard labor whereas the other villagers do. Also, the author describes her as wearing new clothing such as her white nylon socks and her hair tied with a brand new red silk ribbon which is in contrast to the clothing of the other villagers.
11. When the narrator asked Luo whether he has fallen in love with the Chinese Seamstress, Luo sternly report that “She’s not civilize, at least not enough for me.” What does this tell us bout Luo, his background, and his outlook on life?
Luo thinks that he is more civilized than her because he is from the city whereas she is from the country. He also has a higher education level than her. Moreover on page 25, Luo mentions that the mountain people were mostly illiterate. Luo asks her if she could read and she answers not much. From what I have read Luo seems to have a more modern outlook on life.
12. How is the time the boys spent in the copper mines symbolic of their education?
The coal mines were the symbolic of their reeducation because the coal mines were collectively owned by every body and were exploited to meet the local demand for fuel. So the boys were put through hard labor for the collective which is like the communist idea.
13.Why is the narrator convinced that it is Luo crying in the tunnel? What type of crying is Luo doing?
The narrator was convinced that it was Luo crying because Luo had told him before that he was going to die in this mine. Luo was crying like someone who was weeping with passionate abandonment.
14. When Luo falls sick with malaria he is revived by the affections of the Little Seamstress. Explain the 3 ways that she helps him through his sickness.
The seamstress first made medicine from a plant called “broken bowl shards.” Secondly, she invited sorceresses to come and keep vigil. Thirdly, she asked to perform a film to wake up Luo.
15. The story of The Little Flower Seller appears in the text several times as does the line, “A sincere heart can make even a stone blossom.” So tell me, was the flower girl’s heart lacking in sincerity? What meaning do you make out of these lines?
The sincere heart is the girl who went to extreme lengths to save her mom which is symbolized by the stone blossom. However, in the end, her mother still dies. The question is asking of the girl if did do enough or not.
Vocabulary-Synonym-Antonym
Prudent-cautious-careless
Pitiless-merciless-kind
Capricious-unpredictable-firm
Precarious-insecure-certain
Anthracite-the type of the coal-cannot be found
Livid-angry-delighted
Poultice-poultice-cannot be found
10. What details from the text suggest that the Chinese Seamstress is different form other people on the mountain?
The Chinese Seamstress is different from other people on the mountain because she wears shoes whereas the village people are barefoot. The author describes her as fine feet and ankles which show that maybe she does not do hard labor whereas the other villagers do. Also, the author describes her as wearing new clothing such as her white nylon socks and her hair tied with a brand new red silk ribbon which is in contrast to the clothing of the other villagers.
11. When the narrator asked Luo whether he has fallen in love with the Chinese Seamstress, Luo sternly report that “She’s not civilize, at least not enough for me.” What does this tell us bout Luo, his background, and his outlook on life?
Luo thinks that he is more civilized than her because he is from the city whereas she is from the country. He also has a higher education level than her. Moreover on page 25, Luo mentions that the mountain people were mostly illiterate. Luo asks her if she could read and she answers not much. From what I have read Luo seems to have a more modern outlook on life.
12. How is the time the boys spent in the copper mines symbolic of their education?
The coal mines were the symbolic of their reeducation because the coal mines were collectively owned by every body and were exploited to meet the local demand for fuel. So the boys were put through hard labor for the collective which is like the communist idea.
13.Why is the narrator convinced that it is Luo crying in the tunnel? What type of crying is Luo doing?
The narrator was convinced that it was Luo crying because Luo had told him before that he was going to die in this mine. Luo was crying like someone who was weeping with passionate abandonment.
14. When Luo falls sick with malaria he is revived by the affections of the Little Seamstress. Explain the 3 ways that she helps him through his sickness.
The seamstress first made medicine from a plant called “broken bowl shards.” Secondly, she invited sorceresses to come and keep vigil. Thirdly, she asked to perform a film to wake up Luo.
15. The story of The Little Flower Seller appears in the text several times as does the line, “A sincere heart can make even a stone blossom.” So tell me, was the flower girl’s heart lacking in sincerity? What meaning do you make out of these lines?
The sincere heart is the girl who went to extreme lengths to save her mom which is symbolized by the stone blossom. However, in the end, her mother still dies. The question is asking of the girl if did do enough or not.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Grammar and Usage Practice
1. Participle
When Mr. Niu who killede Youqing visited his grave, Jiazhen roared crying loudly with anger.
2. Absolute
Fugui was sitting in front of the gambling table, arm shaken, eyes closed.
3. Adjectives Shifted Out of Order
The daugther tried to wear the hat after she met Erxi in front of the mirror on the wall not moved and stucked.
4. Action Verbs
When the nurse shouts out that Fengxia is bleeding badly, Fugui and his wife rush into the room immediately.
5. Appositive
Mr. Niu, Fugui’s neighbor and a local town leader, is Fugui’s good friend and heps him in many ways.
6. Method for Painting Characters
1. By describing an action of the character: Yoouqing watched the shadow puppets which his father played.
2. By sharing specific speech of the character: “You owe me a life!”
3. By reporting what other characters say about the characters: Jiazhen said to her grandson, a little bun, “Such a good little boy.”
4. By explaining the traits and motives of the character: Youqing likes dumplings and meats.
When Mr. Niu who killede Youqing visited his grave, Jiazhen roared crying loudly with anger.
2. Absolute
Fugui was sitting in front of the gambling table, arm shaken, eyes closed.
3. Adjectives Shifted Out of Order
The daugther tried to wear the hat after she met Erxi in front of the mirror on the wall not moved and stucked.
4. Action Verbs
When the nurse shouts out that Fengxia is bleeding badly, Fugui and his wife rush into the room immediately.
5. Appositive
Mr. Niu, Fugui’s neighbor and a local town leader, is Fugui’s good friend and heps him in many ways.
6. Method for Painting Characters
1. By describing an action of the character: Yoouqing watched the shadow puppets which his father played.
2. By sharing specific speech of the character: “You owe me a life!”
3. By reporting what other characters say about the characters: Jiazhen said to her grandson, a little bun, “Such a good little boy.”
4. By explaining the traits and motives of the character: Youqing likes dumplings and meats.
Answer questions about "To Live"
1. Why do you think that the name of the movie is To Live?
Because it represents the life of one family which is deeply related to the time period of China and it shows us vicissitudes of the life.
2. How does the main character, Fugui, represent life in China during this time period?
Through the events Fugui has undergone. For example, he was a ruined landlord and captured by the nationalists party and also the communist party.
3. How specifically does Fugui’s wife, Jiaz, adapt to the changing time?
When her husband, Fugui was captured, she had to take care of the family alone. It might be difficult for her, but she tried to work hard not giving her life up.
4. In what ways did the loss of his house and fortune, ironically, become the best thing that ever happened to Fugui and his family?
If Fugui’s family kept living in that house, his family would be accused of being a landlord during the revolutionary period.
5. What do you think of Mr. Niu and what do you suppose happened to him hear the end?
I think Mr. Liu not only performed well as a town leader but also helped Fugui in many ways. However, it is likely to happen that he would be accused of counter-revolutionary activities.
6. How do the two children become victims of the political climate? Give specific examples.
Fugui’s son, Youqing was killed by the communist party, Chunsheng. Moreover, His daughter, Fengxia died from excessive bleeding because there were no doctors in the hospital. All doctors and experienced staffs were arrested. Even though Erxi brought a doctor from the prison, he was useless since he was sick after eating seven buns. Therefore, both of Fugui’s children were died by the fault which caused by Communism.
7. The Communist Revolution is widely seen to have been successful in raising living conditions for millions of Chinese peasants. Give some positive examples from the movie of improvements in living conditions and good results from the change in political system.
Through the public provision of meals, people could be fed equally and this provision could be a good method to get rid of hunger for poor people.
8. What is the final positive outcome for this one family? Expalin.
Even though some people who they loved were passed away, the remaining members: Fugui, Jiazhen, Whan Erxi and Fugui’s grandson would continue to live together taking good care of one another.
9. To Live was banned in China, and the director, Zhang Yimou, and the leading actress, Gong Li, were barred from filmmaking for two years. What specifically do you think that the Chinese government objected to? Give at least two or three examples.
In the movie, it was shown that Fugui was drafted by communists during the civil war between the communists and the capitalists. Furthermore, people could watch that some people are accused of being capitalists and landlords. These were the only reason that some people are accused. Therefore, those two happenings are unreasonable and show us that communists have trampled upon human right. If this fact were exposed by the movie, it would be unavoidable for Chinese government to become the focus of criticism. So, In my opinion, Chinese government was afraid of to be blamed by other countries.
10. Write your won movie review for this film.
This is a really impressive movie that I have never watched before. Especially, this movie contains diverse events during the revolutionary period so it reflects Chinese social systems and ideologies. Therefore, it helps us to understand that period of China. Furthermore, the actor, Ge You and the actress, Gong Li acted very well so that they could be rewarded in Cannes Film festival.
The last scene stays in my mind for a long time. The remaining three family members eat food happily and I felt that the calm impression spreads over my mind. They survived from hard and bitter times and have learned “to live.”
Because it represents the life of one family which is deeply related to the time period of China and it shows us vicissitudes of the life.
2. How does the main character, Fugui, represent life in China during this time period?
Through the events Fugui has undergone. For example, he was a ruined landlord and captured by the nationalists party and also the communist party.
3. How specifically does Fugui’s wife, Jiaz, adapt to the changing time?
When her husband, Fugui was captured, she had to take care of the family alone. It might be difficult for her, but she tried to work hard not giving her life up.
4. In what ways did the loss of his house and fortune, ironically, become the best thing that ever happened to Fugui and his family?
If Fugui’s family kept living in that house, his family would be accused of being a landlord during the revolutionary period.
5. What do you think of Mr. Niu and what do you suppose happened to him hear the end?
I think Mr. Liu not only performed well as a town leader but also helped Fugui in many ways. However, it is likely to happen that he would be accused of counter-revolutionary activities.
6. How do the two children become victims of the political climate? Give specific examples.
Fugui’s son, Youqing was killed by the communist party, Chunsheng. Moreover, His daughter, Fengxia died from excessive bleeding because there were no doctors in the hospital. All doctors and experienced staffs were arrested. Even though Erxi brought a doctor from the prison, he was useless since he was sick after eating seven buns. Therefore, both of Fugui’s children were died by the fault which caused by Communism.
7. The Communist Revolution is widely seen to have been successful in raising living conditions for millions of Chinese peasants. Give some positive examples from the movie of improvements in living conditions and good results from the change in political system.
Through the public provision of meals, people could be fed equally and this provision could be a good method to get rid of hunger for poor people.
8. What is the final positive outcome for this one family? Expalin.
Even though some people who they loved were passed away, the remaining members: Fugui, Jiazhen, Whan Erxi and Fugui’s grandson would continue to live together taking good care of one another.
9. To Live was banned in China, and the director, Zhang Yimou, and the leading actress, Gong Li, were barred from filmmaking for two years. What specifically do you think that the Chinese government objected to? Give at least two or three examples.
In the movie, it was shown that Fugui was drafted by communists during the civil war between the communists and the capitalists. Furthermore, people could watch that some people are accused of being capitalists and landlords. These were the only reason that some people are accused. Therefore, those two happenings are unreasonable and show us that communists have trampled upon human right. If this fact were exposed by the movie, it would be unavoidable for Chinese government to become the focus of criticism. So, In my opinion, Chinese government was afraid of to be blamed by other countries.
10. Write your won movie review for this film.
This is a really impressive movie that I have never watched before. Especially, this movie contains diverse events during the revolutionary period so it reflects Chinese social systems and ideologies. Therefore, it helps us to understand that period of China. Furthermore, the actor, Ge You and the actress, Gong Li acted very well so that they could be rewarded in Cannes Film festival.
The last scene stays in my mind for a long time. The remaining three family members eat food happily and I felt that the calm impression spreads over my mind. They survived from hard and bitter times and have learned “to live.”
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Reading Questions(1)
Vocabulary-Synonym-Antonym
risible-ridiculous-foolish
surreptitious-secret, clandestine-open
sonata-composition-cannot be found
audacity-daring-cowardice
reactionary-conservative-radical
vertiginous-dizzy-stable
insidious-stealthy-straight forward
1. The opening section deals with Luo and the narrator’s arrival on the mountain where they are to be reeducated. What does the village headman assume about the violin? How do Luo and the narrator fool village? How does this establish the central conflict between the villagers and the boys who are to be reeducated?
The village headman assumes that the violin is a toy because he has never seen a violin before. Luo and the narrator fool the villagers by saying that the song the narrator was playing on his violin was called “Mozart is thinking of Chairman Mao.” They fool them because during that time, all western composers including Mozart was banned by the communists so if Luo and the narrator had told the villagers that what the narrator was going to play was Mozart’s music, they would have been persecuted. The central conflict between the villagers and boys was the violin and the music so the boys had to lie to hide the fact.
2. Summarize the events and key players in China’s revolution. How did the society change and what was the intended purpose?
Chairman Mao launched China’s Cultural Revolution with other communists in 1968. All universities were closed and all books were banned except Mao’s book. Moreover, students only learned the basics of industry and agriculture. Many people who were deemed intellectuals were sent to the countryside to be reeducated. People cannot be educated and were forced to follow communism otherwise they were subject to persecution.
3. Why is it ironic that Luo and the narrator are sent to be reeducated? Ho do their families’ occupations ad actions effect the boys?
It’s ironic that they were sent to be reeducated , even though the government labeled them “intellectuals”, they had only graduated from middle school. They were also “young intellectuals” because both of their parents were doctors. Moreover, Luo’s father was publically humiliated because he was accused of having an affair with a nurse. Therefore, these reasons caused the boys to be sent away.
4. Why does Luo punch the narrator after seeing his father under public, physical attack?
Luo was angry when he saw his father humiliated and seeing his best friend crying made him even angrier so he punched him.
5. What is the name of the mountain that the boys are banished to and why does the narrator suggest it is called by that name?
The name of the mountain was “Phoenix of the Sky.” The narrator suggests that it is called by this name because of the mountain’s great altitude where only mighty mythical creatures such as the phoenix could ever fly high enough to its’ peak.
6. In father Michel’s account of Phoenix of the Sky, he descries the mountain and its primary sources of income. What are they and what does it say about the economy?
The mountain’s primary sources of income are copper and opium which reflects their economic dependence on agriculture.
7. How do the boys use the technology from the city world to ease their burdens on the mountain? What does this tell us about their characters?
They sneaked in an alarm clock where all the villagers depended on to know the time. Luo, not wanting to wake up and do hard labor would readjust the time which eased the boys physically and mentally. This action reflects their intelligence and resourcefulness.
8. How long does reeducation typically last? Why are Luo and the narrator especially despondent about their reeducation?
Reeducation typically lasts two years. Even though the official time was two years, for the sons and daughters of families classed as enemies of the people such as Luo and the narrator, the chances to return to hone was three in a thousand.
9. What is Luo’s gift? How does he put it to use in the village? Predict why the narrator says this gift will lead to complications.
Luo’s gift was telling stories, and Luo entertained the village with his stories which stemmed from films he had seen in the cinema. The villagers were so entertained by his stories that the headman would send them to watch films so they re tell the story to villagers after watching the film. The narrator thought that this might cause complications because they would experience something that influences their lives greatly.
risible-ridiculous-foolish
surreptitious-secret, clandestine-open
sonata-composition-cannot be found
audacity-daring-cowardice
reactionary-conservative-radical
vertiginous-dizzy-stable
insidious-stealthy-straight forward
1. The opening section deals with Luo and the narrator’s arrival on the mountain where they are to be reeducated. What does the village headman assume about the violin? How do Luo and the narrator fool village? How does this establish the central conflict between the villagers and the boys who are to be reeducated?
The village headman assumes that the violin is a toy because he has never seen a violin before. Luo and the narrator fool the villagers by saying that the song the narrator was playing on his violin was called “Mozart is thinking of Chairman Mao.” They fool them because during that time, all western composers including Mozart was banned by the communists so if Luo and the narrator had told the villagers that what the narrator was going to play was Mozart’s music, they would have been persecuted. The central conflict between the villagers and boys was the violin and the music so the boys had to lie to hide the fact.
2. Summarize the events and key players in China’s revolution. How did the society change and what was the intended purpose?
Chairman Mao launched China’s Cultural Revolution with other communists in 1968. All universities were closed and all books were banned except Mao’s book. Moreover, students only learned the basics of industry and agriculture. Many people who were deemed intellectuals were sent to the countryside to be reeducated. People cannot be educated and were forced to follow communism otherwise they were subject to persecution.
3. Why is it ironic that Luo and the narrator are sent to be reeducated? Ho do their families’ occupations ad actions effect the boys?
It’s ironic that they were sent to be reeducated , even though the government labeled them “intellectuals”, they had only graduated from middle school. They were also “young intellectuals” because both of their parents were doctors. Moreover, Luo’s father was publically humiliated because he was accused of having an affair with a nurse. Therefore, these reasons caused the boys to be sent away.
4. Why does Luo punch the narrator after seeing his father under public, physical attack?
Luo was angry when he saw his father humiliated and seeing his best friend crying made him even angrier so he punched him.
5. What is the name of the mountain that the boys are banished to and why does the narrator suggest it is called by that name?
The name of the mountain was “Phoenix of the Sky.” The narrator suggests that it is called by this name because of the mountain’s great altitude where only mighty mythical creatures such as the phoenix could ever fly high enough to its’ peak.
6. In father Michel’s account of Phoenix of the Sky, he descries the mountain and its primary sources of income. What are they and what does it say about the economy?
The mountain’s primary sources of income are copper and opium which reflects their economic dependence on agriculture.
7. How do the boys use the technology from the city world to ease their burdens on the mountain? What does this tell us about their characters?
They sneaked in an alarm clock where all the villagers depended on to know the time. Luo, not wanting to wake up and do hard labor would readjust the time which eased the boys physically and mentally. This action reflects their intelligence and resourcefulness.
8. How long does reeducation typically last? Why are Luo and the narrator especially despondent about their reeducation?
Reeducation typically lasts two years. Even though the official time was two years, for the sons and daughters of families classed as enemies of the people such as Luo and the narrator, the chances to return to hone was three in a thousand.
9. What is Luo’s gift? How does he put it to use in the village? Predict why the narrator says this gift will lead to complications.
Luo’s gift was telling stories, and Luo entertained the village with his stories which stemmed from films he had seen in the cinema. The villagers were so entertained by his stories that the headman would send them to watch films so they re tell the story to villagers after watching the film. The narrator thought that this might cause complications because they would experience something that influences their lives greatly.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Apply 3 of the Methods of Integration
Apply 3 of the Methods of Integration
October 2, 2008
A2, Grace Hong
① According to Wang Lung’s uncle’s wife, “Now, Wang Lung is seeking to pluck a flower somewhere.”
② In “Well, and I have seen many a man,” Wang Lung’s uncle’s wife explains the reason for his strange behavior when she says, “and when one smooths his hair and buys new clothes and will have his shoes velvet all of a sudden, then there is a new woman and that is sure.”
③ Wang Lung’s uncle’s wife pretended to refuse Wang Lung’s offer when she loudly whispered that “No, and I will not. We are one family and you are my son and I am your mother and this I do for you and not for silver.”
The notes for Integrating Quotations in Compositions
September, 30, 2008
A2, Grace Hong
Intro.
Think of quotations as helium balloons. If you let go of a helium balloon, it flies away. In a similar way, if you use a quotations all by itself in your writing (without “holding it down” with an explaining sentence)
That quotation will seem disconnected from your own thoughts and from the flow of your sentences.
IMPORTANT!
A2, Grace Hong
Intro.
Think of quotations as helium balloons. If you let go of a helium balloon, it flies away. In a similar way, if you use a quotations all by itself in your writing (without “holding it down” with an explaining sentence)
That quotation will seem disconnected from your own thoughts and from the flow of your sentences.
IMPORTANT!
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- Any sentence/paragraph/phrase/words taken word for word from the novel (or other book, magazine, article)
- It does not mean only things in a novel which are said by a character.
There are at least four ways to integrate quotations.
1. Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence and a colon.
Ex. Thoreau ends his essay with a metaphor: "Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in."
a. This is an easy rule to remember: if you use a complete sentence to introduce a quotation, you need a colon after the sentence.
b. Be careful not to confuse a colon (:) with a semicolon (;).
c. Using a comma in this situation will most likely create a comma splice, one of the serious sentence-boundary errors.
2. Use an introductory or explanatory phrase, but not a complete sentence, separated from the quotation with a comma.
Ex. According to Thoreau, "We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us."
Remember:
a. You should use a comma to separate your own words from the quotation when your introductory or explanatory phrase ends with a verb such as "says," "said," "thinks," "believes," "pondered," "recalls," "questions," and "asks," and many more.
b. You should also use a comma when you introduce a quotation with a phrase such as “According to Thoreau.”
3. Make the quotation a part of your own sentence without any punctuation between your own words and the words you are quoting.
Ex. Thoreau argues that "shams and delusions are esteemed for soundest truths, while reality is fabulous."
Reminder:
a. Notice that the word "that" is used in three of the examples above, and when it is used as it is in the examples, "that" replaces that comma which would be necessary without "that" in the sentence.
b. You usually have a choice, then, when you begin a sentence with a phrase such as "Thoreau says." You either can add a comma after “says” (Thoreau says, “quotation”) or you can add the word “that” with no comma (Thoreau says that “quotation.”)
4. Use short quotations--only a few words--as part of your own sentence.
Ex. Although Thoreau "drinks at" the stream of Time, he can "detect how shallow it is."
Remember:
a. When you integrate quotations in this way, you do not use any special punctuation.
b. Instead, you should punctuate the sentence just as you would if all of the words were your own.
c. No punctuation is needed in the sentences above in part because the sentences do not follow the pattern explained under number 1 and 2 above: there is not a complete sentences in front of the quotations, and a word such as “says,” “said,” or “asks,” does not appear directly in front of the quoted words.
All of the methods above for integrating quotations are correct, but you should avoid relying too much on just one method. You should instead use a variety of methods.
-Notice that there are only tow punctuation marks that are used to introduce quotations:
The comma (,) and the colon (:)
Note that a semicolon (;) is not used to introduce quotations.
- Any sentence/paragraph/phrase/words taken word for word from the novel (or other book, magazine, article)
- It does not mean only things in a novel which are said by a character.
There are at least four ways to integrate quotations.
1. Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence and a colon.
Ex. Thoreau ends his essay with a metaphor: "Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in."
a. This is an easy rule to remember: if you use a complete sentence to introduce a quotation, you need a colon after the sentence.
b. Be careful not to confuse a colon (:) with a semicolon (;).
c. Using a comma in this situation will most likely create a comma splice, one of the serious sentence-boundary errors.
2. Use an introductory or explanatory phrase, but not a complete sentence, separated from the quotation with a comma.
Ex. According to Thoreau, "We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us."
Remember:
a. You should use a comma to separate your own words from the quotation when your introductory or explanatory phrase ends with a verb such as "says," "said," "thinks," "believes," "pondered," "recalls," "questions," and "asks," and many more.
b. You should also use a comma when you introduce a quotation with a phrase such as “According to Thoreau.”
3. Make the quotation a part of your own sentence without any punctuation between your own words and the words you are quoting.
Ex. Thoreau argues that "shams and delusions are esteemed for soundest truths, while reality is fabulous."
Reminder:
a. Notice that the word "that" is used in three of the examples above, and when it is used as it is in the examples, "that" replaces that comma which would be necessary without "that" in the sentence.
b. You usually have a choice, then, when you begin a sentence with a phrase such as "Thoreau says." You either can add a comma after “says” (Thoreau says, “quotation”) or you can add the word “that” with no comma (Thoreau says that “quotation.”)
4. Use short quotations--only a few words--as part of your own sentence.
Ex. Although Thoreau "drinks at" the stream of Time, he can "detect how shallow it is."
Remember:
a. When you integrate quotations in this way, you do not use any special punctuation.
b. Instead, you should punctuate the sentence just as you would if all of the words were your own.
c. No punctuation is needed in the sentences above in part because the sentences do not follow the pattern explained under number 1 and 2 above: there is not a complete sentences in front of the quotations, and a word such as “says,” “said,” or “asks,” does not appear directly in front of the quoted words.
All of the methods above for integrating quotations are correct, but you should avoid relying too much on just one method. You should instead use a variety of methods.
-Notice that there are only tow punctuation marks that are used to introduce quotations:
The comma (,) and the colon (:)
Note that a semicolon (;) is not used to introduce quotations.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Vocabulary-systematic
1. The word and its part of speech: systematic (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) system
b) systematically
c) systematize
3. Definition:
a) having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan: a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts.
b) given to or using a system or method; methodical: a systematic person.
c) arranged in or comprising an ordered system: systematic theology.
d) concerned with classification: systematic botany.
e) pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system of classification: the systematic names of plants.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
-She disposed of the matter systemically.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) system
b) systematically
c) systematize
3. Definition:
a) having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan: a systematic course of reading; systematic efforts.
b) given to or using a system or method; methodical: a systematic person.
c) arranged in or comprising an ordered system: systematic theology.
d) concerned with classification: systematic botany.
e) pertaining to, based on, or in accordance with a system of classification: the systematic names of plants.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
-She disposed of the matter systemically.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Books are arranged systematically.
Vocabulary-selective
1. The word and its part of speech: selective (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) select
b) selectively
c) selectiveness
3. Definition:
a) having the function or power of selecting; making a selection.
b) characterized by selection, esp. fastidious selection.
c) of or pertaining to selection.
d) Electricity, Radio. having good selectivity.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
-Businesses should be very selective about people who they give credit to and how much credit they give.
2. Other forms of the word:
a) select
b) selectively
c) selectiveness
3. Definition:
a) having the function or power of selecting; making a selection.
b) characterized by selection, esp. fastidious selection.
c) of or pertaining to selection.
d) Electricity, Radio. having good selectivity.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
-Businesses should be very selective about people who they give credit to and how much credit they give.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-functilious
1. The word and its part of speech: punctilious (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) punctiliously
b) punctiliousness
3. Definition:
a) extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He is very punctilious in writing a lab report.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) punctiliously
b) punctiliousness
3. Definition:
a) extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He is very punctilious in writing a lab report.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
A punctilious ballerina
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Vocabulary-prudent
1. The word and its part of speech: prudent (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) prudence
b) prudently
3. Definition:
a) wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.
b) careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- I respect her because she has a prudent attitude.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) prudence
b) prudently
3. Definition:
a) wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.
b) careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- I respect her because she has a prudent attitude.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-minutiae
1. The word and its part of speech: minutiae (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) minute
b) minutely
3. Definition:
a) precise details; small or trifling matters: the minutiae of his craft.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He cares about minutiae when he makes an experiment.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) minute
b) minutely
3. Definition:
a) precise details; small or trifling matters: the minutiae of his craft.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He cares about minutiae when he makes an experiment.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Monday, September 8, 2008
Vocabulary-meticulous
1. The word and its part of speech: meticulous (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) meticulously
b) meticulousness
3. Definition:
a) taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough: a meticulous craftsman; meticulous personal appearance.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He is too meticulous in everything.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word: 
2. Other forms of the word:
a) meticulously
b) meticulousness
3. Definition:
a) taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough: a meticulous craftsman; meticulous personal appearance.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He is too meticulous in everything.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-judicious
1. The word and its part of speech: judicious (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) judiciously
b) judiciousness
3. Definition:
a) using or showing judgment as to action or practical expediency; discreet, prudent, or politic: judicious use of one's money.
b) having, exercising, or characterized by good or discriminating judgment; wise, sensible, or well-advised: a judicious selection of documents.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- Judicious leaders make good decisions for team members.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) judiciously
b) judiciousness
3. Definition:
a) using or showing judgment as to action or practical expediency; discreet, prudent, or politic: judicious use of one's money.
b) having, exercising, or characterized by good or discriminating judgment; wise, sensible, or well-advised: a judicious selection of documents.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- Judicious leaders make good decisions for team members.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-foresight
1. The word and its part of speech: foresight (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) foresee
b) foresighted
c) foresightedly
d) foresightedness
e) foresightful
3. Definition:
a) care or provision for the future; provident care; prudence.
b) the act or power of foreseeing; prevision; prescience.
c) an act of looking forward.
d) knowledge or insight gained by or as by looking forward; a view of the future.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He had the foresight to invest his money wisely.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) foresee
b) foresighted
c) foresightedly
d) foresightedness
e) foresightful
3. Definition:
a) care or provision for the future; provident care; prudence.
b) the act or power of foreseeing; prevision; prescience.
c) an act of looking forward.
d) knowledge or insight gained by or as by looking forward; a view of the future.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- He had the foresight to invest his money wisely.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Honda Foresight 250 2002
Vocabulary-fastidious
1. The word and its part of speech: fastidious (adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) fastidiously
b) fastidiousness
3. Definition:
a) excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater.
b) requiring or characterized by excessive care or delicacy; painstaking.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- She is fastidious about her food so she never eat junk food for her health.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) fastidiously
b) fastidiousness
3. Definition:
a) excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please: a fastidious eater.
b) requiring or characterized by excessive care or delicacy; painstaking.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
- She is fastidious about her food so she never eat junk food for her health.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-diligence
1. The word and its part of speech: diligence (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) diligent
b) diligently
3. Definition:
a) constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
-The teacher rewarded Tom for his diligence.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) diligent
b) diligently
3. Definition:
a) constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
-The teacher rewarded Tom for his diligence.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
What is Filial Piety?
“In Confucian Thought, one of the virtues to be cultivated, a love and respect for one’s parents and ancestors.” This is the meaning of Filial piety in a dictionary. Since filial piety came from Confucian philosophy, it was an important value in Asian society from ancient times. Filial piety is the basic virtue. Korean society also has been keeping the virtue. There is a Korean proverb: “If you tend your parents with filial piety, you could see the rock with the grass.” It means a miracle could be happened if heaven was impressed by your filial piety for parents.
I was educated about filial piety and I think it is an important value to me. In Korea, students learn about some virtues through the subject which is called Morality. Students should know about filial piety because it is the important part of the class. Moreover, I could learn about it substantially watching how my parents are respecting for their parents.
I was educated about filial piety and I think it is an important value to me. In Korea, students learn about some virtues through the subject which is called Morality. Students should know about filial piety because it is the important part of the class. Moreover, I could learn about it substantially watching how my parents are respecting for their parents.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The Good Earth-Thoughts&Questions
A. Thoughts
-relates to characteristics in the story
1. Since Wang Lung is a farmer, he correlates the weather with his life deeply. For example, a wind blew smoothly and has a rain on his marriage day. He thought it is a fortunate omen because the most important thing to him is a fruitful harvest.
2. An old man totally depends upon his son for support. He does not make food by himself and bothers his son until a son makes food for him.
3. Wang Lung tends his father with filial piety but sometimes feels annoyed with him. For instance, he said, “that old head thinks of nothing except his eating and his drinking.” Besides, there is also a sentence which narrates his feeling: “it was the last morning he would have to prepare food for the old man.”
4. Wang Lung expects that he could enjoy a comfort and take a rest if he gets married since his wife would work for him. It means that he is thinking about all things which he can get from his wife. He never thinks about how he could do for her comfort and pleasure.
-relates to the phases of the ages in the story
5. Tea was very valuable at that time. An old man said that “Tea is like eating silver”. It was an impressive part because I could know how expensive and precious tea was.
6. At that time, in China, social classes existed. The old lady, an owner of a woman was included in the highest class and Wang Lung and his wife are included in a low class.
7. A man and a woman can get married without meeting each other. Wang Lung and his wife did not see each other even once before they got married. I was surprised at it because in modern society, people usually decide their marriage after meeting and getting to know each other.
8. There was not a wedding ceremony which is celebrated in front of people. Wang Lung’s ceremony was very simple. They went to the temple and lighted the sticks of incense. It was all for his ceremony.
9. At this era, Chinese women have to bind their feet.
10. Women were not treated on the same value as men. Women were not respected.
B. Questions
1. How could social classes be divided at that era in China?
2. What were wedding customs at that era in China?
3. Why didn’t the woman in the story(O-lan) bind her foot?
4. Why doesn’t the woman express herself?
-relates to characteristics in the story
1. Since Wang Lung is a farmer, he correlates the weather with his life deeply. For example, a wind blew smoothly and has a rain on his marriage day. He thought it is a fortunate omen because the most important thing to him is a fruitful harvest.
2. An old man totally depends upon his son for support. He does not make food by himself and bothers his son until a son makes food for him.
3. Wang Lung tends his father with filial piety but sometimes feels annoyed with him. For instance, he said, “that old head thinks of nothing except his eating and his drinking.” Besides, there is also a sentence which narrates his feeling: “it was the last morning he would have to prepare food for the old man.”
4. Wang Lung expects that he could enjoy a comfort and take a rest if he gets married since his wife would work for him. It means that he is thinking about all things which he can get from his wife. He never thinks about how he could do for her comfort and pleasure.
-relates to the phases of the ages in the story
5. Tea was very valuable at that time. An old man said that “Tea is like eating silver”. It was an impressive part because I could know how expensive and precious tea was.
6. At that time, in China, social classes existed. The old lady, an owner of a woman was included in the highest class and Wang Lung and his wife are included in a low class.
7. A man and a woman can get married without meeting each other. Wang Lung and his wife did not see each other even once before they got married. I was surprised at it because in modern society, people usually decide their marriage after meeting and getting to know each other.
8. There was not a wedding ceremony which is celebrated in front of people. Wang Lung’s ceremony was very simple. They went to the temple and lighted the sticks of incense. It was all for his ceremony.
9. At this era, Chinese women have to bind their feet.
10. Women were not treated on the same value as men. Women were not respected.
B. Questions
1. How could social classes be divided at that era in China?
2. What were wedding customs at that era in China?
3. Why didn’t the woman in the story(O-lan) bind her foot?
4. Why doesn’t the woman express herself?
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Vocabulary-spoonerism
1. The word and its part of speech: spoonerism (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) spoonerisms
3. Definition:
a) the transposition of initial or other sounds of words, usually by accident, as in a blushing crow for a crushing blow.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
Spoonerism often happens when we are tired or speak quickly.
2. Other forms of the word:
a) spoonerisms
3. Definition:
a) the transposition of initial or other sounds of words, usually by accident, as in a blushing crow for a crushing blow.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
Spoonerism often happens when we are tired or speak quickly.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-simile
1. The word and its part of speech: simile (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) similes
3. Definition:
a) a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.” Compare metaphor.
b) an instance of such a figure of speech or a use of words exemplifying it.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
The boy described a brave prince in the fairy tale, “the sleeping beauty” using a simile “brave as a lion.”
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word: 
2. Other forms of the word:
a) similes
3. Definition:
a) a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared, as in “she is like a rose.” Compare metaphor.
b) an instance of such a figure of speech or a use of words exemplifying it.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
The boy described a brave prince in the fairy tale, “the sleeping beauty” using a simile “brave as a lion.”
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-portmanteau word
1. The word and its part of speech: portmanteau word (compound noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) portmanteau words
3. Definition:
a) A word formed by merging the sounds and meanings of two different words
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
She told me that smog is a portmanteau word of smoke and fog.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) portmanteau words
3. Definition:
a) A word formed by merging the sounds and meanings of two different words
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
She told me that smog is a portmanteau word of smoke and fog.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Snuba is a portmanteau word, combing the words scuba and snorkel.
Vocabulary-palindrome
1. The word and its part of speech: palindrome (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) palindromes
3. Definition:
a) . a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., reading the same backward as forward, as Madam, I'm Adam or Poor Dan is in a droop.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
"Madam, I'm Adam" and “A man, a plan, a canal, panama” are famous palindromes.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
a) palindromes
3. Definition:
a) . a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., reading the same backward as forward, as Madam, I'm Adam or Poor Dan is in a droop.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
"Madam, I'm Adam" and “A man, a plan, a canal, panama” are famous palindromes.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-onomatopoeia
1. The word and its part of speech: onomatopoeia (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) onomatopoetic
b) onomatopoetically
3. Definition:
a) the formation of a word, as cuckoo or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent.
b) a word so formed.
c) Rhetoric. the use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical effect.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
Arf, yelp, and woof are examples of onomatopoeia which represent sounds of dogs.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) onomatopoetic
b) onomatopoetically
3. Definition:
a) the formation of a word, as cuckoo or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent.
b) a word so formed.
c) Rhetoric. the use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical effect.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
Arf, yelp, and woof are examples of onomatopoeia which represent sounds of dogs.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Vocabulary-malapropism
1. The word and its part of speech: malapropism (noun)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) malapropisms
b) malapropistic
3. Definition:
a) an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, esp. by the confusion of words that are similar in sound.
b) an instance of this, as in “Lead the way and we'll precede.”
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
I want to have a confidence with her that decerns her much.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) malapropisms
b) malapropistic
3. Definition:
a) an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, esp. by the confusion of words that are similar in sound.
b) an instance of this, as in “Lead the way and we'll precede.”
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
I want to have a confidence with her that decerns her much.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
Friday, August 29, 2008
Vocabulary-colloquial
1. The word and its part of speech: colloquial(adjective)
2. Other forms of the word:
a) colloquially
b) colloquialness
c) colloquiality
3. Definition:
a) characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
b) involving or using conversation.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
A book written in a colloquial style is more vivid than a literacy style.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
2. Other forms of the word:
a) colloquially
b) colloquialness
c) colloquiality
3. Definition:
a) characteristic of or appropriate to ordinary or familiar conversation rather than formal speech or writing; informal.
b) involving or using conversation.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word:
A book written in a colloquial style is more vivid than a literacy style.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word:
a book : Colloquial Korean
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Vocabulary-coinage
1. The word and its part of speech : coinage(noun)
2. Other forms of the word :
a) coins
3. Definition of the word :
a) the act or process of inventing words; neologizing.
(www.dictionary.com)
b) an invented or newly created word or phrase.
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word :
People make a lot of coinage in the rapidly changing world.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understangding of the word.
2. Other forms of the word :
a) coins
3. Definition of the word :
a) the act or process of inventing words; neologizing.
(www.dictionary.com)
b) an invented or newly created word or phrase.
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word :
People make a lot of coinage in the rapidly changing world.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understangding of the word.
.jpg)
(The word hobbit was a coinage of J.R.R.Tolkien.)
Vocabulary-affiix
1. The word and its part of speech : affix(noun)
2. Other forms of the word :
a) affixes
b) affixable
c) affixal
d) affixial
3. Definition of the word :
a) Something that is joined or attached.
b) Grammar. a bound inflectional or derivational element, as a prefix, infix, or suffix, added to a base or stem to form a fresh stem or a word. (http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word :
Both uncomfortable and unnatural have the same affix, un.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word.
2. Other forms of the word :
a) affixes
b) affixable
c) affixal
d) affixial
3. Definition of the word :
a) Something that is joined or attached.
b) Grammar. a bound inflectional or derivational element, as a prefix, infix, or suffix, added to a base or stem to form a fresh stem or a word. (http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word :
Both uncomfortable and unnatural have the same affix, un.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word.
Vocabulary-acronym
1. The word and its part of speech : acronym(noun)
2. Other forms of the word : acronyms
3. Definition: a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words. (http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word :
SARS is an acronym for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word.
2. Other forms of the word : acronyms
3. Definition: a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words. (http://www.dictionary.com/)
4. An example sentence using the word or a form of the word :
SARS is an acronym for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
5. A picture which relates to the word and/or complements understanding of the word.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Common conflict(s) children have with their parents?
I think that children have several common conflicts with their parents. There are some kinds of conflicts which are come from the generation gap. For example, some children have a problem with their appearances. Parents want them to be neat while they like popular fashion styles. Besides, some parents do not understand that spending time using computers and do not allow children to wander out of home late at night. However, children are somtimes opposed to parents' orders.
In my opinion, these conflicts are not serious problems because they can be solved by talking and mutual understanding.
In my opinion, these conflicts are not serious problems because they can be solved by talking and mutual understanding.
My name
Since I am a Korean I have two names. First one is Hye Won Hong which my family and Koreans use, and another one is Grace Hong for a school life. Hye Won means “a graceful and pretty girl”, and my grandfather made it for me. In fact, my English name, Grace comes from the meaning of my Korean name. My parents made it for convenience because Hye Won is very difficult to pronounce for foreigners.
When I was young, I got a nickname from my Korean name. In Korean, a carrot is called “Hong Dang Mu” and my last name is Hong accidentally, so my Korean friends usually called me “a carrot.” I did not like it whenever I was called “a carrot” but my friends always say that it really is a cute nickname.
Anyway, I like both of Korean and English names, because my grandfather and parents made it after serious considerations. Moreover, I think they have good meanings.
When I was young, I got a nickname from my Korean name. In Korean, a carrot is called “Hong Dang Mu” and my last name is Hong accidentally, so my Korean friends usually called me “a carrot.” I did not like it whenever I was called “a carrot” but my friends always say that it really is a cute nickname.
Anyway, I like both of Korean and English names, because my grandfather and parents made it after serious considerations. Moreover, I think they have good meanings.
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