Name some examples of racial and cultural tensions in the story
-Grandma disagrees with the way Sophie is being raised
-Grandma's feelings of indifference towards the Shea family
-John and Grandma's relationship (Irish vs. Chinese)
-John's brothers calling Sophie "brown"
100
Name some characteristics of postmodernism in the story
-the grandmother's (narrator) tone remains kind of angry throughout the story
-controversy between the grandmother and everyone else
100
Symbol of Natalie's Americanization
Sophie
100
Chinese, fierce, orthodox, Sophie calls her Meanie, owns a restaurant, widow
Grandmother
200
What happened after the grandmother spanked Sophie for the first time?
Sophie stopped taking off her clothes and obeyed her grandmother
200
Name some examples from the story of generational gaps
-Grandma and Natalie's tense relationship
-Sophie is coddled more by her parents, while her grandmother has had experience and is strict
200
Name the turning point of the story
When Sophie is in the foxhole and her grandmother is poking her with a stick trying to get her to come out. John and Natalie see her poking Sophie and they get mad at her for harassing Sophie.
200
Represents the struggling unemployed American
John
200
wild, "brown", Chinese-Irish, smart, stubborn
Sophie
300
Why did Natalie force her mother to leave her house and live with Bess?
Because she did not agree with her mother's way of controlling Sophie.
300
Name some examples of Americanization in the story
- Natalie does not approve of spanking for punishment
- Natalie, John and Bess use gentle words to control a child
- Sophie's "wild" side
300
What are some examples of the rising action in the story?
-The grandmother spanking Sophie when she doesn't listen
-Sophie learning bad habits
-John speaking of sending the grandmother back to China
300
Represents traditional Chinese woman, sticks with her culture (orthodox)
Grandma
300
Irish, depressed, unemployed, cowardly, does not like to deal with problems
John Shea
400
What is the one thing the grandma finds 'different' about Sophie's appearance?
Her brown skin
400
Give some examples of family values
-The grandmother promised her husband to keep her family together
-Natalie wants her mother to move out to avoid a divorce (ironic)
400
What is the main problem in the story?
The grandmother's opinion of taking care of a child differs from Natalie and John's; this causes tension between Chinese and Irish values
400
Immigrants blending in with other cultures and leaving their native cultures behind
Natalie
400
Chinese, hard-working, stubborn, Americanized, maintains the family
Natalie
500
What boosts John's confidence?
Getting a new job which gives him a new briefcase, 'shiny shoes' and a new car
500
Give some examples of companionship in the story
-Natalie would rather lose her relationship with her mother than leave John
-The Grandmother meets Bess and is glad when she finds a true friend
500
What would be the resolution of the story?
-The grandmother going to live with Bess and feeling wanted as a 'permanent resident'
-The family avoiding the grandmother and asking a babysitter to help instead of asking her.
500
Shows the clarity and resolution to a situation. As the grandmother's 'best friend', she shows acceptance in a multi-cultural society.