Because few people seemed to have watched the video assigned for today, our class discussion fell flat, so we’re moving it online. Watch the video here, and read the story in the Lawn anthology.
In order to get credit for being present today, you need to do two things:
- Post a comment below that addresses both Adichie’s TED Talk and Ha Jin’s “Saboteur.” You can address them both together in one comment, or separately in two separate comments, but you must address both.
- Post a reply to at least two other classmates’ comments.
This needs to be done by our next class meeting on Tuesday. Note: if you were absent from class today, you can still get credit for being there if you participate in this online discussion. However, you will need to find a way to obtain a copy of the reading.
Below are some discussion questions, generated by the discussion groups, to get us started.
What’s the significance of Fenjin describing Mr. Chiu as an “ugly man”?
What kind of stereotypes in “Saboteur” do we think confirm Adichie’s theory of the “single story”? Would the Chinese agree? (<–this question is a good start, but I want to rephrase it slightly: how does “Saboteur” confirm or disrupt the notion of a “single story” of Ha Jin’s setting? That way we don’t accidentally start presumptuously speculating on the thoughts of a specific group of people in ways that are impossible to confirm.)
What was the significance of Chiu not missing or loving his wife?
Why does it matter that Chiu was a Communist Party member?
Why was Chiu so stressed about his honeymoon? Should he have been stress-free? (I will add an addendum to this question–what “single story” does the assumption that Chiu should feel a certain way on his honeymoon come from?)
What was Chiu’s goal in spreading his disease Why did he choose that route in possible revenge?
Note: when you leave a comment, be sure to sign it so I know who you are. First names only are fine (except for the Kevins–you guys should also add “McD” or “McG”). If you would prefer not to sign your comment with your actual name, shoot me an email and let me know what pseudonym you’re using instead.
Happy commenting.
