China Men: Study Questions

 

Reading Questions

 

As you read, consult the glossary of terms listed on the HCC website.  Most of the reading questions are devoted to the six non-italicized chapters.  Except for "The Laws," which we will be looking at closely, the non-italicized chapters are re-told and re-created myths, legends, fantasies, and parables.  As you read them, try to come up with their meanings and how they relate to the adjacent parts of the book.  But also let your imaginations go.  Enjoy them.  Also enjoy the book.  There are some funny parts.  You are allowed to laugh.

 

 

LECTURE II

 

“The Great Grandfather of the Sandalwood Mountains”

 

Where are the Sandalwood Mountains?  Where does the narrator search for her ancestors (90)?  What sort of addict is Bak Goong (110)?  How does he indulge his addiction?  Why can Bak Goong and his fellow workers claim to be the "founding ancestors of this place" (118)?

 

“On Mortality”

 

What happens when Tu breaks his/her silence?

 

“The Grandfather of the Sierra Nevada Mountains”

 

Why is Stockton special (126)?  What does Ah Goong help build?  To whom does he make love (133)?    Do we know how many die working on the railroad (138)?    Why are China Men the "binding and building ancestors of this place" (146)?  What happens in the SF fire of 1906 (150)?  How are those of Chinese descent "reborn" out of that catastrophe? 

 

“The Making of More Americans”

 

How do Sao Elder Brother, Kau Goong, and Uncle Bun respond to America? 

 

 

Discussion Questions

 

1. In his defence of the Geary Act (1892), Representative Geary argued that “The first duty of governments is to their own citizens, and in securing to them the protection and the enjoyment of their life and liberty the consideration of the effect on other people is not of consequence.”  He also argues that “The protection of American labor is an essential duty of American government.”  Do you agree or disagree with Representative Geary?  How could you use China Men to support your beliefs?

 

2. In 1885 Minister Josiah Strong complained about the increase in immigration to the US because, according to him, it had created more and more official US citizens who were, nonetheless, not true Americans because they did not share American culture.  What would Kingston's response be to Minister Strong?

 

3. How does Kingston answer the question "Who is an American?"  Do you agree or disagree?  Why or why not?

 

4. One of the themes of the book is silencing.  What forces contribute to silencing?  What helps to break silence?  What is the role of listening in cultural understanding?  What is the role of talking? 

 

5. Some people are proposing to amend the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment to deny birthright citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants born in the US. Do you agree or disagree with that effort?  Why or why not?  How has reading China Men affected your views one way or another?

 

6.  Is it possible for Kingston, a woman, to represent China Men?  Rather than claim to be "representative" of all Chinese Americans, indeed, all Americans, Kingston implies that each reader should represent him or herself.  How does she do so? 

 

7.  What do you make of Kingston's use of the term "white demons"?

 

8.  Share your own story about what it means to be an American.