Characters
Goes by Leon in America. Younger brother. Mischievous. Uses baseball as a tool for assimilation in America.
Johnny
Johnny started as Leon's nemesis. He is a red headed boy who is first generation Irish immigrant. His father works on the Swann's farm. His mother passed away late in the book.
When did the Chinese Educational Mission start?
1872
Describe Filial Piety
deep respect, obedience, and care for one's parents elders and ancestors.
Why was the CEM ended early
The Chinese Government was concerned that the boys were becoming too Americanized and America did not allow Chinese Educational Mission students into Military Colleges like West Point.
Woo-Ka Sun
Goes by Carson. Elder brother to Leon. Not the eldest brother in the family until about halfway through the book when their eldest brother passes away. Has a hard time fitting into American customs and struggles with mental health problems.
Paul
Johnny's younger brother. Stays with the Swann's after his mother passes.
What was the purpose of the Chinese Educational Mission
To learn technology with he goal of modernizing China
What was Confucius's primary "Jobs"
Teacher, Philosopher, Politician
What was the topic of both brother's Centennial Exhibition Essays
Leon- Trains
Carson- Confucian Value
Mr. Swann
A minister in the town of Suffolk. Host father to our main characters.
Charlotte
Younger sister of Swann Family. Was injured in sledding accident that left her wheel chair bound.
What year was the Centennial Event
1876
What was the name of the book that was compiled by Confucius's disciples.
The Analects
What is the difference between "Western" and "Victorian" values.
Victorian are Western values of the 1800's and Western Values are in the same places (Europe and United States) but modern day.
Owen
Swann family only son. Died in sledding accident the previous year,
Polly
Younger sister to Johnny and Paul. Stayed with Swann's after her mother passed.
Name one invention that was showcased at the Centennial Event
Typewriter, Telephone, Corliss Steam Engine, Early Refrigerator.
Which core teaching of Confucianism aligns most closely with "The Golden Rule"
Ren
Why did Carson think that Charlotte would fit in and make him a good wife back in China.
She had limited mobility similar to how the women of China at this time due to the practice of feet binding.
Julia
Julia Swann. Elder sister of Swann family. Tutors the main characters.
Yung Wing
Teacher from China. Driving force behind the Chinese Education Mission.
What might have been considered a fashion choice to someone who does not understand but was considered high treason for the Chinese boys studying in America.
Cutting off their queues.
In this scenario a person comes in from the cold for a job interview. They walk into the waiting room and remove their hat. They wait for the secretary to tell them to proceed into the business office. Upon entering they greet the person, make eye contact, and shake hands.
In China a similar situation would call for the person being interviewed to bow to their perspective employer. What Confucian Rule is influencing these behaviors.
Ritual is following social habits
Propriety is being polite, respectful, and showing respect to authority.
Where did Mr. Yung Wing graduate from College
Yale College