Moon Orchid's character plays a significant role in the novel, specifically in the section "At the Western Palace." Answer the following questions about her character and role in the story.

Part 1) Do you think Moon Orchid is happier in America than she was in China? Explain why or why not.

Part 2) Why do you think the narrator includes Moon Orchid's story in the novel?

Part 3) What type of impact do you think Moon Orchid's story had on the narrator? What might the narrator have learned from watching her aunt?

Essay Topic 2

Several times throughout the novel, the narrator feels that she is not valued as much as a child born in China. How do these instances affect the narrator's self worth? Describe at least one of these instances, explain the narrator's reaction to it and how it affects her personality using examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, there are many ghosts, imaginary beings and legendary characters in the narrator's mother's stories and the narrator's accounts of different stories. Choose three of these creatures and answer the following questions about each.

1) What story is this character a part of? What role does it have in the story?

2) What might the character symbolize?

3) How does the inclusion of this character impact the story?

4) How does the narrator feel about this character? Do you think the narrator believes it is real or imaginary?

(see the answer keys)

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