Blog #2

1. Towards the beginning of the novel, Z.G. talks about ai kuo, the love one has for country, and ai jen, the emotion you feel for the person you love.  How do these two types of love play out in Pearl's experience in both China and the United States?  How do these two types of love play out in our own lives, contrasted with Pearl's unique circumstances involving these types of love?

2. According to the zodiac signs in Chinese culture, Pearl is a dragon and May is a sheep.  Based on the descriptions of these signs contained within the novel, do you think the two sisters are true to their respective zodiac signs in Shanghai Girls?  Up to this point in your life, do you think that you have been true to your own Chinese zodiac sign?  Here is a link to a website which contains more information about the zodiac signs: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/

3. There are sections within Shanghai Girls where it seems like external factors conspire against Pearl--being sold into marriage, leaving China, being stuck working at the restaurant, mothering May's child, and taking care of Vern.  How much of what happens to Pearl is a product of her own choices and decisions and how much is a product of external factors over which she has no control?  How many of the problems in our own lives are brought upon us by our own decisions and attitudes rather than outside forces?