Chinese Society
What is a patriarchy?
The Chinese caste system was a society where the eldest male was the head of the family.
What does Judge Dee clap his hands?
Judge Dee does this to summon a clerk.
What is the Chinese Class System and why is it important?
The Chinese Class System categorizes individuals based upon their stature. This is important because the lower individuals are always working for the next higher level.
Define tribunal?
This is a courthouse
What is the dynasty this novel takes place in?
The Tang Dynasty. This system was enforced by laws and norms.
What is Confucianism?
The dominant philosophy in China at the time of the class system.
What is high status?
Colors and shiny armor on officers were a sign of this.
Who was ranked at the top of the class system?
Emperor and government officials
Define magistrate?
A judge
How many lieutenants worked for Judge Dee?
4: Chiao Tai, Sergeant Hoong, Tao Gan, and Ma Joong. The more people worked for you the higher class you were.
What is his name?
Judge Dee was helped by a young boy named Hsiao-Pao in his case in Chapter 8, and at the end, Judge Dee bestows a high honor upon this boy by changing his...
True or False: All men were allowed to have multiple wives in the Chinese Caste System.
False. Only high-ranking men, and commoners could not.
Who was ranked at the bottom of the class system?
Slaves
Define Gao-dija-wa?
A graveyard
True or False: When Emperoros would rule they would follow the Mandate of Heaven and turn to their gods for permission to control?
True
What is silk?
This clothing material that was very valuable was a privilege reserved for the high-status members of the caste system and was forbidden for low-class members of society such as merchants to wear.
The tone of voice and language Judge Dee uses change drastically in the book based on this.
Class and ranking
Why is Judge Dee so significant?
Judge Dee is significant because he has to make important decisions based on one's actions to see if they are guilty or innocent.
Define TANG Deh-djung?
A literature doctor
True of false: Hsu admits that he has committed adultery
What is a hereditary rule?
A type of rule that was part of the Chinese caste system but only applied to the emperor, where the throne was passed down through the same family, and the eldest son would be appointed each time his father passed away.
What is dinner?
For a high-status man like Judge Dee, it was disrespectful for officers and other high-status men to not join him at this daily event, especially when an important guest was joining.
What is linegae?
The descendants of an ancestor. This could pass down their royal blood and status.
Who is Candidate Lee?
The suspect in the murder. He is also a part of the lower class which could potentially be why they are after him.
True or false: there are two crimes in this novel
False. There are three crimes in this story