Allusions
What is an allusion?
A passing reference to a historical event, important person, literary book, classic movie, etc.
What about mother's face made Jing Mei want to die?
Her mom was disappointed.
What's the deeper reason for Jing Mei's mother prompting her to watch old Shirley Temple videos?
Incorporate the direct characterization of the mother from paragraph 3.
Jing Mei's mother experienced much loss in China, including her four daughters. She likely has higher expectations for Jing Mei to thrive in America because she is the only surviving daughter. If she had several kids, she could afford for one of them to not meet her expectations.
Paragraph 18 shows the thematic idea of identity. Turn this thematic idea into a thematic statement.
It's human nature to tie our self worth into what our parents think about us.
What type of irony is the phrase "proudly modest"? (paragraph 24)
Verbal irony
What does the allusion to Shirley Temple in paragraph 4 teach us about the American Dream?
Many Americans believed that you could achieve success from even a young age.
Many Americans believed that success was repeatable if you paid attention to those who did it before you.
What did Jing Mei notice about her emotions when she looked in the mirror?
She is angry and powerful
What can we infer about Jing Mei's mother based on her dialogue in paragraph 34?
Jing Mei's mother is critical of Jing Mei. She believes that Jing Mei's temper keeps her from reaching the mother's goals of success for her.
How does paragraph 30 relate to the thematic idea of the American Dream?
Part of the idea of the American Dream is that hard work will set up you and your family for a successful life. The mom is seeking a better life for herself and her daughter by performing housekeeping duties in trade for Jing Mei's piano lessons. She hopes these piano lessons will result in Jing Mei achieving fame and fortune.
Why is the phrase "proudly modest" ironic?
Because to be proud means that you are pleased with your accomplishments and modest means that you downplay your accomplishments. If you're proud, you'd expect to be vocal about your accomplishments.
What does the allusion to Peter Pan teach us about the way Jing Mei feels about her physical appearance? (paragraph 24)
Getting a Peter Pan haircut allowed Jing Mei to feel more confident, instead of having "bad hair the length of a boy's."
What characteristics did a little Chinese girl have that inspired Jing Mei's mother to give Jing Mei piano lessons?
The little Chinese girl was nine years old, had a Peter Pan haircut, was saucy like Shirley Temple, and was proudly modest.
The mom gives Jing Mei the old piano. What was the mom's motivation for doing this? What character trait does this reveal in the mother?
The mother is a practical person and doesn't have a use for it.
The mother has high expectations for Jing Mei and believes she can still aspire to great things through music.
How do all the allusions on page 2 contribute to the theme of cultural assimulation?
The mother wants Jing Mei to act and look like Western, blonde-haired, blue-eyed people, like Peter Pan and Shirley Temple. The mom even comments on how Jing Mei doesn't quite fit the mold on paragraph 7.
Explain how paragraph 47 demonstrates dramatic irony.
We, the reader, and the narrator know that Jing Mei lacks musical talent, but the mother doesn't know.
How does the reference to the Schumann book show the thematic idea of self acceptance? (paragraphs 94-95)
The text specifically mentions that a piece on the left hand side says "Pleading Child," which may represent the fact that young Jing Mei plead for unconditional love and freedom to pursue her own desires. The right hand side says "Perfectly Contented," which shows that in being pushed by her mom, Jing Mei was able to have experiences that helped shape her into her adult self.
How do supporting characters have contrasting reactions to Jing Mei's piano recital?
Waverly is sulky while Jing Mei's father yawns in boredom. Jing Mei's mother is expressionless while Auntie Lindo has a fake smile.
What contrasting character traits do we see in Jing Mei and her mother in paragraphs 26-27?
Jing Mei's mother is critical and Jing Mei is compassionate.
The last section of the short story talks about the song "Pleading Child." How might this song name relate to the thematic idea of family relationships?
Jing Mei represents the "Pleading Child." She is pleading to be accepted the way she is and to be able to fulfill her own version of what the American Dream may be.
Jing Mei directly characterizes herself as "proud" in paragraph 91. Why is this characterization ironic, when considering her piano recital?
Jing Mei picked up bad habits during piano practice; consequently, she performed poorly and embarrassed both herself and her parents. You wouldn't expect Jing Mei to look at her piano with pride.
Jing Mei images herself as both the Christ child and Cinderella. What do both of these characters have in common that Jing Mei wants to replicate? (paragraph 9)
Both are special and rise above their social class. Cinderella starts out lower class but rises to the top by marrying a Prince. Christ starts out lower class, being born in a stable, and then rises even higher than upper class.
In paragraph 53, Jing Mei says she did not feel "fear whatsoever, no nervousness." Infer why Jing Mei didn't feel fear or nervousness to perform?
(Hint: You may want to investigate the previous paragraphs for the answer.)
--As seen in paragraph 48, Jing Mei is trying to get revenge on the mom for her foolish pride. She is not afraid because she is not personally invested in doing well.
--Jing Mei was oblivious to the fact that she was not well-practiced at piano.
Why does the mother stop fighting in paragraph 78?
--Jing Mei pinpointed her mother's greatest vulnerability, the guilt she feels over her dead twins, and she exploited that weakness. The mother may have been trying to rectify the wrongs towards her daughters by helping Jing Mei to suceed, but Jing Mei's unexpected attack split open old wounds and rendered her defenseless. Jing Mei's lack of gratitude may have confirmed the mother's deepest fears, that she actually is a failure at her core duty of motherhood.
How do paragraph 65-66 relate to the thematic idea of individualism vs. collectivism?
As a daughter, Jing Mei has the expectation to do what her parents want, contributing to the collective success of the family. This idea of contributing to the group is more pronounced in Chinese culture than American culture. By refusing to play the piano, Jing Mei is asserting her individualism. She wants to do what she wants.
Explain the situational irony related to Old Chong's character.
Old Chong is a deaf music teacher. In order to perform his job, Old Chong needs hearing, something he lacks.