General Info
Monkey King
Danny & CK
Jin & Wei-Chen
Panel Analysis
100
What type of book is American Born Chinese?
Graphic Novel
100
Why does the Monkey King feel that he should be immortal at the beginning of his story?
Because he has mastered Kung-Fu
100
Ultimately, what do we learn is Danny's true identity?
He's actually Jin
100
Why is Jin unhappy at school?
Because he faces racist bullying
100
What does the statement "It's easy to become anything you wish" suggest about the nature of identity in the text?
Individuals have the potential to shape their own lives.
200
Who wrote American Born Chinese?
Gene Luen Yang
200
Who is Tze-Yo-Tzuh?
The creator of all beings and things on Earth - he is the high god that the other immortals went to to complain about the Monkey King
200
What artistic choice is featured in most panels containing CK that help the reader experience the sitcom tone?
Laugh tracks at the bottom of each panel in which CK is doing something stereotypical
200
What does Jin do that seriously damages his relationship with Wei-Chen?
He tries to kiss Wei-Chen's girlfriend Suzy.
200
What does the phrase "forfeit your soul" imply about the sacrifices one might have to make in order to achieve their desires?
Personal values and true self may be compromised for external success
300
Within the novel, Gene Yang, the author of American Born Chinese, incorporates a story that uses animal characters to teach a moral or lesson. This is called a(n) _______________.
fable
300
How is the Monkey King ultimately revealed to be connected to Jin and Wei-Chen's story?
He is Wei-Chen's father
300
What linguistic stereotype do we see used in CK's dialogue?
Swapping Ls and Rs
300
What symbolic object do Jin and Wei-Chen bond over?
a transformer
300
How do the contrasting ideas presented in the text reflect the larger themes of cultural identity and personal transformation?
The text emphases the struggle between cultural expectations and personal identity.
400
What are the four elements that we consider when looking at a graphic novel?
Panels & Gutters, Descriptions & Word Balloons, Sound Effects & Motion Lines, and Artistic Style
400
The Monkey King is denied entry into the party with the other deities (or gods) because...
He is not wearing shoes
400
The sub-plot involving Danny at his "All-American" high school is modeled after...
a TV sitcom
400
The main cause of Jin's turmoil throughout the book is...
his embarrassment of his Chinese identity.
400
In the context of the dialogue, what might "the supper of two demons" symbolize?
A conflict between two opposing forces within oneself.
500
Why did the author include the stereotypical character CK?
He wants to use combination of older and more recent stereotypes that show how these judgmental assumptions endure and to make the reader uncomfortable in order to recognize the harm of these stereotypes
500
What must the Monkey King do to be freed from his mountain of rock?
He must learn to accept himself for who he is.
500
The main cause of Danny's turmoil throughout the book is...
his embarrassment over his cousin, CK
500
The closing chapter of the book helps the reader infer that
Jin and Wei-Chen will repair their friendship
500
What can be inferred about the character's feelings toward their situation based on the expression "Eternal Prisoner"?
They experience a sense of hopelessness or entrapment.