Title: Yoruba Girl Dancing
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 161-185
Summary
The main conflict Remi had throughout the story was that she was a lonely girl in England. Her family lived in Africa. She had to face discrimination in her school and accept herself as an African. In Germany, she had to face strange stares at her because she was “unique” than the rest. It was hard for her to be in her father’s friends’ house and people asking her question about Africa. As Remi returned to Dove House School, her friend Phoebe inquired Remi about the experiences she felt. The answer was, “I was treated like some kind of freak” (Bedford 169). One of many examples, Remi had to adapt in order to live in England. Her loneliness soon vanished as her entire family moves to England. About Remi’s academics, she had excelled greatly in English but her father chose her profession to be about law. So, Remi did not complained and follow his order (makes me mad). All her childhood friends were in England to study. There was a touchy reunion when Remi finally met her best friends. With all the excitement of being united again, Remi and her friends celebrated by preparing a “reunion” party. The denouement of the story was Remi and her friends dancing happily. Then, an older women ask the reader, “Is there a sight more beautiful…than a Yoruba girl dancing?” (Bedford 185).
Quote
“When we arrived the house was so bright it was like a flare in the dark and you could almost see the walls vibrating with the music” (Bedford 184).
Reaction
During the story, the narrator, Remi, had to accept her appearance and expected reactions of other people. She had faced isolation from her family. But all turns well in the end of the story, her family moves to England. The protagonist has a happy ending. Remi finally has her own people in this cold and lonely place (England). The quote above describes the atmosphere of the reunion party her family planned. This great quote has a simile. The simile compares the house hosting the party to a flare in the dark. Meaning, the party is lively and festive. The description informs the reader that it was major event for the narrator. Excellent imagery in this quote!
I rate this book 4.5 out of 5! Narration is fine the issue is the exposition.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Yoruba Girl Dancing (Page 122-160)
Title: Yoruba Girl Dancing
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 122 to 160
Summary
Remi’s loneliness ended with her family short staying in England. With her bad report card and complains of the vice headmistress, Miss Valentine, her father finally comes to England! Remi’s family had grown, now there are three more children. They were the apathetic Tunji (already mentioned in the exposition), the stubborn Aduke, and the two lovely little sisters Yejide and Yinka. Remi’s father did not come to have a leisure time but to “rearrange” some businesses in England. He decided to leave Tunji and Aduke in England with their big sister Remi. In addition, he transferred Remi to a new boarding school called Dove House School. Her reaction of such as drastic choice did not give her any grief. As Remi met her dear mother, she reminisce all the horrific and racism experiences she felt. Her mother felt depressed and helpless of not supporting her daughter in her harsh times. After most of Remi’s family left, Remi and her siblings remained being bounce from place to other place during the holidays. She was 15 years old. One of her holidays, she was send to Germany. Living with a German family and having no clue how to communicate with them. Remi has to bear with her awkward situation.
Quote
“The room was dark except for thick wedges of sunlight which slanted in through the leaded windows and gathered in silver pools on the floor. A mile away two tall figures stood in silhouette, their features indistinguishable against the light” (Bedford 129).
Reaction
The narration style of Bedford has become more mature-like and enchanting. Young Remi has become a young adult. She is fifteen years old and accustoms to live in England. The narration had become better and lively. Finally, the naïve Remi understand the world’s “norms” for an African girl. Such as English people, like Ms. Valentine, view a black girl as a savage, Remi understands and stands for her beliefs that she is NOT a savage. The quote above has strong connotations and great descriptive words. The word “slanted” gives me the idea that sunlight has come into the room gracefully, a great imagery word. “Light” has a great sense of connotation for the reason people thinks of light which lead to “hope” or “goodness.” The quote comes from Remi’s point of view when she meets her father after six years. I really like this quote. After this great quote, comedy comes in since Remi do not remember HER own father. In addition, Remi starts to show off her “English” manners which displease her father. He do not want Remi to forget her roots. Remi's actions in England gives a sense to the reader that she has been assimilated into an "English" woman.
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 122 to 160
Summary
Remi’s loneliness ended with her family short staying in England. With her bad report card and complains of the vice headmistress, Miss Valentine, her father finally comes to England! Remi’s family had grown, now there are three more children. They were the apathetic Tunji (already mentioned in the exposition), the stubborn Aduke, and the two lovely little sisters Yejide and Yinka. Remi’s father did not come to have a leisure time but to “rearrange” some businesses in England. He decided to leave Tunji and Aduke in England with their big sister Remi. In addition, he transferred Remi to a new boarding school called Dove House School. Her reaction of such as drastic choice did not give her any grief. As Remi met her dear mother, she reminisce all the horrific and racism experiences she felt. Her mother felt depressed and helpless of not supporting her daughter in her harsh times. After most of Remi’s family left, Remi and her siblings remained being bounce from place to other place during the holidays. She was 15 years old. One of her holidays, she was send to Germany. Living with a German family and having no clue how to communicate with them. Remi has to bear with her awkward situation.
Quote
“The room was dark except for thick wedges of sunlight which slanted in through the leaded windows and gathered in silver pools on the floor. A mile away two tall figures stood in silhouette, their features indistinguishable against the light” (Bedford 129).
Reaction
The narration style of Bedford has become more mature-like and enchanting. Young Remi has become a young adult. She is fifteen years old and accustoms to live in England. The narration had become better and lively. Finally, the naïve Remi understand the world’s “norms” for an African girl. Such as English people, like Ms. Valentine, view a black girl as a savage, Remi understands and stands for her beliefs that she is NOT a savage. The quote above has strong connotations and great descriptive words. The word “slanted” gives me the idea that sunlight has come into the room gracefully, a great imagery word. “Light” has a great sense of connotation for the reason people thinks of light which lead to “hope” or “goodness.” The quote comes from Remi’s point of view when she meets her father after six years. I really like this quote. After this great quote, comedy comes in since Remi do not remember HER own father. In addition, Remi starts to show off her “English” manners which displease her father. He do not want Remi to forget her roots. Remi's actions in England gives a sense to the reader that she has been assimilated into an "English" woman.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Yoruba Girl Dancing (Page 82-121)
Title: Yoruba Girl Dancing
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 82 to 121
Summary
Matron Bacon was responsible of Remi until the school would begin. Matron is the nurse of the school and was cold toward the narrator. For an entire week, Remi felt depressed and lonely. However, as the other girls came, the loneliness vanished. Many girls were interested in Remi because of her peculiar appearance. Remi was different than them. Her roommates are Jessica, Anita, Minnie, and Sarah. Anita was a bit naïve by saying “the black rubs off,” which means the color of Remi will dirty the skin of others. Due to her racist statement, the rest of the girls were afraid to play with Remi. But, the other roommates besides Anita did not mind Remi’s appearance. Other girls inquired Remi about her family and her country. That made Remi missed her family even more. She became quite popular in school. During the holidays, Remi went to her guardians’ house. Her guardians are Uncle Theo and Aunt Betty. Both had two children, Gerald and Maureen. Remi became close to Gerald. Gerald was the leader of the Stanley Terrace gang. Mostly, the gang members would play with each other. Four years had gone by; Remi learned a lot about herself. She learned the meaning of “darkie” and how the “whites” dislike her. She became more mature, yet her self-esteem deteriorated which led to the low grades and several fights in school. The letters received from her family back in Africa described many changes the narrator had missed such as the birth of two other siblings and the death of her dear Baba Cook. She wanted to go home so badly, but her father denied her wish. During the holidays came, she stayed with her guardians. Ironically, she fell in love with Gerald. Gerald only saw her as playmate or a friend. He was a tyrant since he always chose what to play which angered Remi. Anyhow, all her relatives decided to travel and stayed in a hotel. All had fun except Remi, she missed her family.
Quote
“Jessica and my friends at school said that I was now so English it was impossible to imagine that I had actually been born in Africa. This was true, but it was also true that I now understood what a darkie was and a native and a savage” (Bedford 98).
Reaction
During these pages, the narrator became more mature and more down to earth. Her naïve and innocent personality dissolves into a more open-minded one. Now, Remi realized her differences with other people. Her reality about her father’s leaving her in England and her statue as a black girl. The quote above gives the idea of Remi no longer being a child. She is becoming an adult from the last four years staying in England. Right now, she is eleven years old. She is reflecting about life and reality. Remi left the “Kingdom of Childhood” (Reference to one of Stephenie Meyer’s books) after her grandfather had died (I forgot to mention that in my first post >.<).
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 82 to 121
Summary
Matron Bacon was responsible of Remi until the school would begin. Matron is the nurse of the school and was cold toward the narrator. For an entire week, Remi felt depressed and lonely. However, as the other girls came, the loneliness vanished. Many girls were interested in Remi because of her peculiar appearance. Remi was different than them. Her roommates are Jessica, Anita, Minnie, and Sarah. Anita was a bit naïve by saying “the black rubs off,” which means the color of Remi will dirty the skin of others. Due to her racist statement, the rest of the girls were afraid to play with Remi. But, the other roommates besides Anita did not mind Remi’s appearance. Other girls inquired Remi about her family and her country. That made Remi missed her family even more. She became quite popular in school. During the holidays, Remi went to her guardians’ house. Her guardians are Uncle Theo and Aunt Betty. Both had two children, Gerald and Maureen. Remi became close to Gerald. Gerald was the leader of the Stanley Terrace gang. Mostly, the gang members would play with each other. Four years had gone by; Remi learned a lot about herself. She learned the meaning of “darkie” and how the “whites” dislike her. She became more mature, yet her self-esteem deteriorated which led to the low grades and several fights in school. The letters received from her family back in Africa described many changes the narrator had missed such as the birth of two other siblings and the death of her dear Baba Cook. She wanted to go home so badly, but her father denied her wish. During the holidays came, she stayed with her guardians. Ironically, she fell in love with Gerald. Gerald only saw her as playmate or a friend. He was a tyrant since he always chose what to play which angered Remi. Anyhow, all her relatives decided to travel and stayed in a hotel. All had fun except Remi, she missed her family.
Quote
“Jessica and my friends at school said that I was now so English it was impossible to imagine that I had actually been born in Africa. This was true, but it was also true that I now understood what a darkie was and a native and a savage” (Bedford 98).
Reaction
During these pages, the narrator became more mature and more down to earth. Her naïve and innocent personality dissolves into a more open-minded one. Now, Remi realized her differences with other people. Her reality about her father’s leaving her in England and her statue as a black girl. The quote above gives the idea of Remi no longer being a child. She is becoming an adult from the last four years staying in England. Right now, she is eleven years old. She is reflecting about life and reality. Remi left the “Kingdom of Childhood” (Reference to one of Stephenie Meyer’s books) after her grandfather had died (I forgot to mention that in my first post >.<).
Friday, November 27, 2009
Yoruba Girl Dancing (Page 41-81)
Title: Yoruba Girl Dancing
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 41-81
Summary
Several days had passed after Remi’s grandfather’s funeral. At last, Bigmama came to visit the depressed Foster family. Bigmama was the ex-wife of Remi’s grandfather. She apologized of being sick and unable to come to the funeral. Remi’s described the complex atmosphere between her two grandmothers. Anyhow, the awkward silence ceased by Remi’s grandma curious questions about England. Bigmama’s responds described how magnificent life in England was that Remi’s father thought of an idea, the idea to send Remi study abroad in an English boarding school. Remi had no other choice but to please her father. According to the story, studying abroad was a great privilege and honored her family’s name. But, Remi felt depressed to apart from her family. On the other hand, there were three people that came with her to England. They were Bigmama, Aunt Sylvia and Aunt Grace. With the help of her step-grandmother, Bigmama, Remi managed to pack her belongings and departed from Africa at the age of six. After Remi arrived in London, she was with Bigmama several days. Remi met Bigmama’s older sister Aunt Madge and her husband Uncle Reg. Apparently; Remi narrated how wonderful they were and how deep she became attach to them. Then, Bigmama made several arrangement for Remi’s stay in her new school such as buying the uniform and leaving her with Aunt Grace. Aunt Grace became an art college student. She was responsible of Remi. Both of them came to Remi’s new school, it was isolated and obscure. After all, they came a week earlier for the classes to start. Aunt Grace had no other choice but to leave Remi with Miss Bowles, headmistress, and Miss Valentine, vice-headmistress. Since Grace was a busy college student and other relatives were also busy to take care of her for a week. Therefore, Remi remained in the lonely and cold school until the school would actually begin.
Quote
“People here will find it very odd that I should be your grandmother, because you are black and I am white…from now on I want you to call me Aunty” (Bedford 61).
Reaction
With Bedford’s great descriptions of Remi’s experience of moving into a new country, England, the storyline becomes more interesting. The plot is chronological. The narrator’s mood turns deep and realistic. About the six year old Remi moving to England and acknowledging a new culture is hard for her. The new atmosphere and the cold weather have enticed her to miss her sweet and warm home in Africa. The quote above foreshadows miseries to the narrator. Since the narrator is a young African girl staying in an England. The quote describes Bigmama’s concern about their apperance in public. Basically, Bigmama puts a border between them while they are in the public. She embarrass to walk with Remi. Racism and discrimination will become a theme in the book. Remi will encounter conflicts with her classmates because of her unique appearance.
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 41-81
Summary
Several days had passed after Remi’s grandfather’s funeral. At last, Bigmama came to visit the depressed Foster family. Bigmama was the ex-wife of Remi’s grandfather. She apologized of being sick and unable to come to the funeral. Remi’s described the complex atmosphere between her two grandmothers. Anyhow, the awkward silence ceased by Remi’s grandma curious questions about England. Bigmama’s responds described how magnificent life in England was that Remi’s father thought of an idea, the idea to send Remi study abroad in an English boarding school. Remi had no other choice but to please her father. According to the story, studying abroad was a great privilege and honored her family’s name. But, Remi felt depressed to apart from her family. On the other hand, there were three people that came with her to England. They were Bigmama, Aunt Sylvia and Aunt Grace. With the help of her step-grandmother, Bigmama, Remi managed to pack her belongings and departed from Africa at the age of six. After Remi arrived in London, she was with Bigmama several days. Remi met Bigmama’s older sister Aunt Madge and her husband Uncle Reg. Apparently; Remi narrated how wonderful they were and how deep she became attach to them. Then, Bigmama made several arrangement for Remi’s stay in her new school such as buying the uniform and leaving her with Aunt Grace. Aunt Grace became an art college student. She was responsible of Remi. Both of them came to Remi’s new school, it was isolated and obscure. After all, they came a week earlier for the classes to start. Aunt Grace had no other choice but to leave Remi with Miss Bowles, headmistress, and Miss Valentine, vice-headmistress. Since Grace was a busy college student and other relatives were also busy to take care of her for a week. Therefore, Remi remained in the lonely and cold school until the school would actually begin.
Quote
“People here will find it very odd that I should be your grandmother, because you are black and I am white…from now on I want you to call me Aunty” (Bedford 61).
Reaction
With Bedford’s great descriptions of Remi’s experience of moving into a new country, England, the storyline becomes more interesting. The plot is chronological. The narrator’s mood turns deep and realistic. About the six year old Remi moving to England and acknowledging a new culture is hard for her. The new atmosphere and the cold weather have enticed her to miss her sweet and warm home in Africa. The quote above foreshadows miseries to the narrator. Since the narrator is a young African girl staying in an England. The quote describes Bigmama’s concern about their apperance in public. Basically, Bigmama puts a border between them while they are in the public. She embarrass to walk with Remi. Racism and discrimination will become a theme in the book. Remi will encounter conflicts with her classmates because of her unique appearance.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Yoruba Girl Dancing (Page 1- 40)
Title: Yoruba Girl Dancing
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 1-40
Summary
The protagonist of the story is Remi Foster. She was a young African girl that was born in a wealthy African family. Her grandparents were taking care of her while her busy parents were traveling because of business. Remi has three nannies and was adored by her grandparents, which were respected by the people in their huge home. There were about thirty individuals in the house. Every morning, Remi read a book and talked to her grandpa about events occurring in Lagos, the setting. Her grandpa is a wealthy merchant. His role was to maintain the house stable. She told him about her Sisi Bola’s marriage with Akin Ojo, a wealthy man. As the story proceeded, the narrator described how the family history of the Fosters was, such as the three traditional Church meetings on Sundays and the complex relation about her grandparents. After Sisi Bola marriage ceremony ended, Remi returned with her parents to Enugu. Her family was her parents, a brother, a baby, several servants, and herself. They all live happily. Except, the news of her dear grandpa died right after sometime had passed from the wedding. Many people visited the widow, grandma, which seem over dramatic about her husband’s death. At the end, the narrator foreshadowed that her life would not be the same.
Quote
“The music poured through our veins and we flowed with the beat, each separated portion of our bodies winding and unwinding seamlessly as if we had no bones” (Bedford 26).
Reaction
Simi Bedford’s writing style was full of imagery. The great descriptions of Remi's family and her life. Her exposition of the story was complex for the reason she introduced way too many characters at once, similar To Kill A Mockingbird (but worst). The book started with way too many information of her family and traditions. However, the quote above has a great sense of imagery. It came from Remi's thoughts about the great wedding celebration of her cousin, Sisi Bola. Someone can tell the party was enjoyable and fun. Anyhow, the narrator mentioned too many characters which distract the reader of who she was talking about. The author needs to organize a little bit of her exposition of characters. The narration is in first person point of view. So far the story is fine, not that great yet.
Author: Simi Bedford
Page 1-40
Summary
The protagonist of the story is Remi Foster. She was a young African girl that was born in a wealthy African family. Her grandparents were taking care of her while her busy parents were traveling because of business. Remi has three nannies and was adored by her grandparents, which were respected by the people in their huge home. There were about thirty individuals in the house. Every morning, Remi read a book and talked to her grandpa about events occurring in Lagos, the setting. Her grandpa is a wealthy merchant. His role was to maintain the house stable. She told him about her Sisi Bola’s marriage with Akin Ojo, a wealthy man. As the story proceeded, the narrator described how the family history of the Fosters was, such as the three traditional Church meetings on Sundays and the complex relation about her grandparents. After Sisi Bola marriage ceremony ended, Remi returned with her parents to Enugu. Her family was her parents, a brother, a baby, several servants, and herself. They all live happily. Except, the news of her dear grandpa died right after sometime had passed from the wedding. Many people visited the widow, grandma, which seem over dramatic about her husband’s death. At the end, the narrator foreshadowed that her life would not be the same.
Quote
“The music poured through our veins and we flowed with the beat, each separated portion of our bodies winding and unwinding seamlessly as if we had no bones” (Bedford 26).
Reaction
Simi Bedford’s writing style was full of imagery. The great descriptions of Remi's family and her life. Her exposition of the story was complex for the reason she introduced way too many characters at once, similar To Kill A Mockingbird (but worst). The book started with way too many information of her family and traditions. However, the quote above has a great sense of imagery. It came from Remi's thoughts about the great wedding celebration of her cousin, Sisi Bola. Someone can tell the party was enjoyable and fun. Anyhow, the narrator mentioned too many characters which distract the reader of who she was talking about. The author needs to organize a little bit of her exposition of characters. The narration is in first person point of view. So far the story is fine, not that great yet.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Chinese Cinderella (Page 162-205)
Title: Chinese Cinderella
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 162-205
Summary
At the age of 12 to 14, Adeline lived in a convent school in Hong Kong. For her entire 2 years of school, Adeline did not receive a visit and only received a letter from a playwriting competition. Adeline’s life at the school was depressing yet, she managed to be the TOP of her class. While other students had pretty western clothes, Adeline only had the necessary stuff to dress herself. Like a school uniform and a small brown dress for Sunday’s “visits”. Miserable, Adeline described her appearance, as well as staying in school even in holidays. Suddenly, one day; Adeline decided to apply for a playwriting competition. Adeline wrote a play about an Africa girl reflecting her own feeling about her life. Then, at the end of her final draft, Adeline dedicated the play to her grandfather. Many months passed, there was no reply. During her long anticipation of a response, her dear Ye Ye (grandfather) died. All hopes seem destroyed, no person to support the protagonist. The climax was Adeline’s future. After her graduation, will she go to college? Will she be forced to marry someone because of Niang? However, in an instant, a ray of hope appeared; it was the victory in the international writing competition. The narrator’s father became elated and proud of her. Finally, Adeline requested to study abroad with her siblings in England. The father agreed, but he decided a profession that Adeline did not had in mind. She gladly accepted and went to college. The dénouement was a letter from Aunt Baba; reminiscing an old folk tale called Cinderella. The last sentence of the memoir was nostalgic. The final sentence is “Your future is limitless, and I shall always be proud of you, my Chinese Cinderella” (Mah 197). (Like the ending!!!)
Quote
“I knew I looked ghastly with my dirty school uniform, scuffed and smudgy tennis shoes, straight, unpermed hair, bitten fingernails and swollen eyes from crying. Standing beside her made me feel especially worthless, plain and small” (Mah 187).
Reaction
Adeline Yen Mah has a lot of humor, suspense, drama, and even misery. From every page, the reader gets intrigue until the end. There is a lot of imagery and the narration is excellent. From page 162 to 205, there are countless events to wrap up the story. The climax is whether Adeline would attend college or end up the same as Big Sister. The resolution is the father’s acceptance of her daughter going to college as well as winning the playwriting competition. Most readers agree the dénouement concludes exceptionally. It was the perfect ending of the whole plot in Chinese Cinderella. In order to support the statement of Mah’s great use of imagery and extraordinary narration, the quote below is evidence. The narrator is the 14 years old Adeline. Being described after her Ye Ye’s funeral in a limousine with her family; Adeline was sitting next to her stepmother (Niang). The quote expresses the thoughts of Adeline comparing herself with Niang.
*I rate this book a 4.8 out of 5!!! (^.^)/
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 162-205
Summary
At the age of 12 to 14, Adeline lived in a convent school in Hong Kong. For her entire 2 years of school, Adeline did not receive a visit and only received a letter from a playwriting competition. Adeline’s life at the school was depressing yet, she managed to be the TOP of her class. While other students had pretty western clothes, Adeline only had the necessary stuff to dress herself. Like a school uniform and a small brown dress for Sunday’s “visits”. Miserable, Adeline described her appearance, as well as staying in school even in holidays. Suddenly, one day; Adeline decided to apply for a playwriting competition. Adeline wrote a play about an Africa girl reflecting her own feeling about her life. Then, at the end of her final draft, Adeline dedicated the play to her grandfather. Many months passed, there was no reply. During her long anticipation of a response, her dear Ye Ye (grandfather) died. All hopes seem destroyed, no person to support the protagonist. The climax was Adeline’s future. After her graduation, will she go to college? Will she be forced to marry someone because of Niang? However, in an instant, a ray of hope appeared; it was the victory in the international writing competition. The narrator’s father became elated and proud of her. Finally, Adeline requested to study abroad with her siblings in England. The father agreed, but he decided a profession that Adeline did not had in mind. She gladly accepted and went to college. The dénouement was a letter from Aunt Baba; reminiscing an old folk tale called Cinderella. The last sentence of the memoir was nostalgic. The final sentence is “Your future is limitless, and I shall always be proud of you, my Chinese Cinderella” (Mah 197). (Like the ending!!!)
Quote
“I knew I looked ghastly with my dirty school uniform, scuffed and smudgy tennis shoes, straight, unpermed hair, bitten fingernails and swollen eyes from crying. Standing beside her made me feel especially worthless, plain and small” (Mah 187).
Reaction
Adeline Yen Mah has a lot of humor, suspense, drama, and even misery. From every page, the reader gets intrigue until the end. There is a lot of imagery and the narration is excellent. From page 162 to 205, there are countless events to wrap up the story. The climax is whether Adeline would attend college or end up the same as Big Sister. The resolution is the father’s acceptance of her daughter going to college as well as winning the playwriting competition. Most readers agree the dénouement concludes exceptionally. It was the perfect ending of the whole plot in Chinese Cinderella. In order to support the statement of Mah’s great use of imagery and extraordinary narration, the quote below is evidence. The narrator is the 14 years old Adeline. Being described after her Ye Ye’s funeral in a limousine with her family; Adeline was sitting next to her stepmother (Niang). The quote expresses the thoughts of Adeline comparing herself with Niang.
*I rate this book a 4.8 out of 5!!! (^.^)/
Monday, October 12, 2009
Chinese Cinderella (Page 123-161)
Title: Chinese Cinderella
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 123-161
Summary
As a punishment, Jung-Ling’s father and stepmother transferred Jung-Ling back to Tianjin. The separation of her from her dear Aunt Baba and her Ye Ye (grandfather) was heartbreaking. Also the timing of such as unreasonable judgment was absurd. In September 1948, Jung-Ling transfers to a foreign convent school. There was a civil war occurring in China at that time. The Communists and the Nationalists were in battle for the control over China. In the story, the Chinese citizens view the Communists as the dark side and were taking over Tianjin and Beijing. All the desperate people were fleeing Tianjin to Shanghai or a safer place. Meanwhile, the new school was foreign. Meaning, all the classes were in English, which Jung-Ling had no clue about it. As the year goes, fewer students were in the class until Jung-Ling was the only one left. The days became slower and lonelier. Adeline or Jung-Ling felt homesick. By the way, the nuns called Jung-Ling Adeline. In 1949, Niang’s sister, Reine Schilling finally rescues Adeline from the convent. She was a nice person to the narrator. Aunt Reine explains to Adeline about them traveling to Hong Kong, the location of her family. During the ship trip, the Schilling family treated the narrator with kindness and Adeline became attach to them. However, as Adeline returns with her family, she became distant with the Schilling because of Niang. On the other side, Adeline was reunited with her grandfather. He thought her the significance of being Chinese. At the end, Adeline is left alone (again) into a Hong Kong boarding school for several years.
Quote
“I would give everything in the world to be with you and Ye Ye again back in Shanghai…Don’t Forget me” (Mah 135).
Reaction
Jung-Ling adopts a new name from the convent nuns or Mothers. Her name became Adeline. In the story, the reader (s) learns more about the unwanted daughter’s loneliness at the school in Tianjin. Each word Mah uses to describe the narrator’s feeling is so vivid. The quote above makes the reader sadden. The quote comes from Adeline’s letter to Aunt Baba. The words reflect the feeling of Adeline wanting to reunite with her dear family. The desire to leave the boring place the school has become. After several pages later, the actions of Aunt Reine relieves the concerns of the reader over little Adeline. But still, Adeline’s return with the Yen family has not affected her current relation with her family.
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 123-161
Summary
As a punishment, Jung-Ling’s father and stepmother transferred Jung-Ling back to Tianjin. The separation of her from her dear Aunt Baba and her Ye Ye (grandfather) was heartbreaking. Also the timing of such as unreasonable judgment was absurd. In September 1948, Jung-Ling transfers to a foreign convent school. There was a civil war occurring in China at that time. The Communists and the Nationalists were in battle for the control over China. In the story, the Chinese citizens view the Communists as the dark side and were taking over Tianjin and Beijing. All the desperate people were fleeing Tianjin to Shanghai or a safer place. Meanwhile, the new school was foreign. Meaning, all the classes were in English, which Jung-Ling had no clue about it. As the year goes, fewer students were in the class until Jung-Ling was the only one left. The days became slower and lonelier. Adeline or Jung-Ling felt homesick. By the way, the nuns called Jung-Ling Adeline. In 1949, Niang’s sister, Reine Schilling finally rescues Adeline from the convent. She was a nice person to the narrator. Aunt Reine explains to Adeline about them traveling to Hong Kong, the location of her family. During the ship trip, the Schilling family treated the narrator with kindness and Adeline became attach to them. However, as Adeline returns with her family, she became distant with the Schilling because of Niang. On the other side, Adeline was reunited with her grandfather. He thought her the significance of being Chinese. At the end, Adeline is left alone (again) into a Hong Kong boarding school for several years.
Quote
“I would give everything in the world to be with you and Ye Ye again back in Shanghai…Don’t Forget me” (Mah 135).
Reaction
Jung-Ling adopts a new name from the convent nuns or Mothers. Her name became Adeline. In the story, the reader (s) learns more about the unwanted daughter’s loneliness at the school in Tianjin. Each word Mah uses to describe the narrator’s feeling is so vivid. The quote above makes the reader sadden. The quote comes from Adeline’s letter to Aunt Baba. The words reflect the feeling of Adeline wanting to reunite with her dear family. The desire to leave the boring place the school has become. After several pages later, the actions of Aunt Reine relieves the concerns of the reader over little Adeline. But still, Adeline’s return with the Yen family has not affected her current relation with her family.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Chinese Cinderella (Page 85-122)
Title: Chinese Cinderella
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 85 to 122
Summary
More despair Wu Mei or Yen Jung-Ling, actual name, experiences because of Niang. The 17 year old Big Sister marries a man named Samuel Sung and leaves the house. Yen Jung-Ling thought if her stepmother arranges a matrimony to her, she is better of leaving the house. She would not tolerate it. Since her school life was sacred to her. Despise being mistreated in her OWN house; in her school everyone respected her. Even Wu Chu-Mei invits Jung-Mei to her birthday party, which she is not allow to go. Mei accepts but as the concenquences follow, she is unfairly punish by her father and Niang. During "election" day, Jung-Ling is elect as president and won the election with her friends. After that, her friends plan to visit her house with good intentions. Mei’s parents are not please of commotion. The results are horrible. The friends discover how Jung-Ling is treated, Niang suggest separating the fifth daughter from her dear Aunt Baba, and Jung-Ling had to follow her parents back to Tianjin. More miseries await to the unwanted daughter of the Yen family.
Quote
“I watched him tossed sausage rolls, chicken sandwiches and chestnut cake with nonchalance to a delighted Jackie, who jumped to catch the morsels between his powerful jaws” (Mah 104).
Reaction
The protagonist faces more obstacles of her dream to live somewhere else, far away from her cruel family, except from her Aunt Baba and grandfather. Haughty Niang (mother) still treats Yen Jung-Ling with coldness. There is nepotism of second wife’s children than the first wife children. Between these pages, the reader gets more details of the fifth daughter’s life and the witch stepmother she has. For example, the wanting to go to a friend’s birthday party led to the short time starvation in Jung-Ling’s room. She witnesses the Fourth Brother carelessly wasting food and the stepmother’s dog enjoying it. The quote above, gives the reader a strong imagery of the moment the main character saw the food go to waste. Analyze each word Mah chose; there are SAT vocabulary words and powerful adjectives.
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 85 to 122
Summary
More despair Wu Mei or Yen Jung-Ling, actual name, experiences because of Niang. The 17 year old Big Sister marries a man named Samuel Sung and leaves the house. Yen Jung-Ling thought if her stepmother arranges a matrimony to her, she is better of leaving the house. She would not tolerate it. Since her school life was sacred to her. Despise being mistreated in her OWN house; in her school everyone respected her. Even Wu Chu-Mei invits Jung-Mei to her birthday party, which she is not allow to go. Mei accepts but as the concenquences follow, she is unfairly punish by her father and Niang. During "election" day, Jung-Ling is elect as president and won the election with her friends. After that, her friends plan to visit her house with good intentions. Mei’s parents are not please of commotion. The results are horrible. The friends discover how Jung-Ling is treated, Niang suggest separating the fifth daughter from her dear Aunt Baba, and Jung-Ling had to follow her parents back to Tianjin. More miseries await to the unwanted daughter of the Yen family.
Quote
“I watched him tossed sausage rolls, chicken sandwiches and chestnut cake with nonchalance to a delighted Jackie, who jumped to catch the morsels between his powerful jaws” (Mah 104).
Reaction
The protagonist faces more obstacles of her dream to live somewhere else, far away from her cruel family, except from her Aunt Baba and grandfather. Haughty Niang (mother) still treats Yen Jung-Ling with coldness. There is nepotism of second wife’s children than the first wife children. Between these pages, the reader gets more details of the fifth daughter’s life and the witch stepmother she has. For example, the wanting to go to a friend’s birthday party led to the short time starvation in Jung-Ling’s room. She witnesses the Fourth Brother carelessly wasting food and the stepmother’s dog enjoying it. The quote above, gives the reader a strong imagery of the moment the main character saw the food go to waste. Analyze each word Mah chose; there are SAT vocabulary words and powerful adjectives.
Chinese Cinderella (Page 42 to 84)
Title: Chinese Cinderella
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 42 to 84
Summary
Wu Mei (fifth daughter) has more complications with her family. As the two children of Niang are being spoiled with nice stuffs, the other five siblings are jealous. In Chinese New Year, the Fourth Brother and the Little Sister receive new western clothes. However, the rest only receives new “ancient” and traditional Chinese clothes, which made them mad. The five siblings plan to defy Niang. The head of group is Big Sister, except their plan fail as Niang brides Big Sister with high quality of clothes and a better room. Aside of Mei’s life with her complicated family, in school Mei feels more elated with her friends. Everyone in her class assume Mei as “genius” due to her perfect grades. In her childhood, Mei developes the desire to write short stories and is praise by her classmates such as Wu Chu-Mei. She becomes Mei’s best friend. In August 1945, the Second World War ends by the United States victory over Japan. Many American soldiers establish in Shanghai and the eight year old Mei is happy. Anyhow, as the memoir goes on, Mei attaches with her Aunt Baba and grandfather since her siblings are not trustworthy. One day, the Huang, friends of the family, give gifts to the seven children. The seven presents are ducklings. Mei was so excited to have a pet and named her Precious Little Treasure (PLT.) Therefore, with a heartbreaking incident that causes the PLT’s death. Mei desires to leave her family becomes stronger. The main conflict is between Mei and almost all her family.
Quote
“The little duckling cocked her head to one side and looked at me with dark, dewy round eyes” (Mah 73).
Reaction
During the story, there is a dual narrative voice from little Mei to older Mei. Adeline Yen Mah does an excellent job combining both voices. Her writing style and Amy Tan’s writing style are similar. Due to the narration style as well as the vocabulary use to describe the narrator’s emotions and thoughts. The narration is subjective, omniscient, and on first person point of view (POV). Also, Mah’s imagery use is one of the qualities that make her story more realistic. Look at the quote above. Mei is describing her PLT when she met her. Mah does not use simple adjectives. Instead of “cocked” she could pick “moved” and the phrase “dark, dewy round eyes” could be replace with a simple “black eyes.” The quote has strong imagery as well as strong connotation.
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Page 42 to 84
Summary
Wu Mei (fifth daughter) has more complications with her family. As the two children of Niang are being spoiled with nice stuffs, the other five siblings are jealous. In Chinese New Year, the Fourth Brother and the Little Sister receive new western clothes. However, the rest only receives new “ancient” and traditional Chinese clothes, which made them mad. The five siblings plan to defy Niang. The head of group is Big Sister, except their plan fail as Niang brides Big Sister with high quality of clothes and a better room. Aside of Mei’s life with her complicated family, in school Mei feels more elated with her friends. Everyone in her class assume Mei as “genius” due to her perfect grades. In her childhood, Mei developes the desire to write short stories and is praise by her classmates such as Wu Chu-Mei. She becomes Mei’s best friend. In August 1945, the Second World War ends by the United States victory over Japan. Many American soldiers establish in Shanghai and the eight year old Mei is happy. Anyhow, as the memoir goes on, Mei attaches with her Aunt Baba and grandfather since her siblings are not trustworthy. One day, the Huang, friends of the family, give gifts to the seven children. The seven presents are ducklings. Mei was so excited to have a pet and named her Precious Little Treasure (PLT.) Therefore, with a heartbreaking incident that causes the PLT’s death. Mei desires to leave her family becomes stronger. The main conflict is between Mei and almost all her family.
Quote
“The little duckling cocked her head to one side and looked at me with dark, dewy round eyes” (Mah 73).
Reaction
During the story, there is a dual narrative voice from little Mei to older Mei. Adeline Yen Mah does an excellent job combining both voices. Her writing style and Amy Tan’s writing style are similar. Due to the narration style as well as the vocabulary use to describe the narrator’s emotions and thoughts. The narration is subjective, omniscient, and on first person point of view (POV). Also, Mah’s imagery use is one of the qualities that make her story more realistic. Look at the quote above. Mei is describing her PLT when she met her. Mah does not use simple adjectives. Instead of “cocked” she could pick “moved” and the phrase “dark, dewy round eyes” could be replace with a simple “black eyes.” The quote has strong imagery as well as strong connotation.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Chinese Cinderella (Page 1 to 41)
Title: Chinese Cinderella
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Pages 1 to 41
Summary
The protagonist is called as Wu Mei (fifth daughter). The memoir starts in the fall of 1941 at Tianjin, China. At that time, Tianjin was occupied by foreign soldiers due to the loss of China in the Opium War with England and France. Mei is a four year old child neglected by her own family. For the reason, the birth of Mei caused the death of her mother. Her big sister and three big brothers always look down on her and tease her. Also, her father marries a beautiful half Chinese and half French haughty woman. The stepmother is merely seventeen years old, which later in the story gives birth of two children. In the house, the family consists of a father, stepmother, seven children, Aunt Baba, and two grandparents. The story began with Mei accomplishment of being the Top of the class in her kindergarten class. She is praised by her Aunt and her father yet; her siblings bother her even more. Still, Mei was motivated to devote herself studying because of her father’s compliment. During that time society, foreign men “bullied” the Chinese people for money. Mei’s father was one of them. Each month, Japanese soldier came and ask for the money. Once it for all Mei’s father runs away for a year. That year, Grandma Nai Nai dies by a heart stroke. She was the head of the family. Then, father comes back to tell his family to move to Shanghai. The whole family moves into this exceptional huge house with three floors. Niang, stepmother, became the head of the family instead of Nai Nai. She deserts the rest of the family in the third floor. She minds her own business and do not take care of the children. The new school was far way, Mei and her siblings need money for the tram. At the end, the only one who does not receive tram fare’s money is Mei due to her pride of not forgiving Niang’s statement she did wrong for asking money from her grandpa.
Quote
“All night, while listening to the monks praying and watching their shining bald heads in the flickering candlelight, I half yearned and half feared that Nai Nai would crawl out and resume her place among us" (Mah 20).
Reaction
Adeline Yen Mah’s style of writing is amusing. Every word written in the book is enjoyable. Her great use of imagery does not bore the reader at all. The story is narrated in first person and goes chronologically. The narrator is Wu Mei. The quote above describes Mei’s thoughts of spending the night with her death grandmother (grandmother is in a coffin) in a room. She is scared because her third big brother told her that her grandmother will awake and walk around. This is one of many examples of how Mei is mistreated by her siblings. After all, the book is called Chinese Cinderella.
Author: Adeline Yen Mah
Pages 1 to 41
Summary
The protagonist is called as Wu Mei (fifth daughter). The memoir starts in the fall of 1941 at Tianjin, China. At that time, Tianjin was occupied by foreign soldiers due to the loss of China in the Opium War with England and France. Mei is a four year old child neglected by her own family. For the reason, the birth of Mei caused the death of her mother. Her big sister and three big brothers always look down on her and tease her. Also, her father marries a beautiful half Chinese and half French haughty woman. The stepmother is merely seventeen years old, which later in the story gives birth of two children. In the house, the family consists of a father, stepmother, seven children, Aunt Baba, and two grandparents. The story began with Mei accomplishment of being the Top of the class in her kindergarten class. She is praised by her Aunt and her father yet; her siblings bother her even more. Still, Mei was motivated to devote herself studying because of her father’s compliment. During that time society, foreign men “bullied” the Chinese people for money. Mei’s father was one of them. Each month, Japanese soldier came and ask for the money. Once it for all Mei’s father runs away for a year. That year, Grandma Nai Nai dies by a heart stroke. She was the head of the family. Then, father comes back to tell his family to move to Shanghai. The whole family moves into this exceptional huge house with three floors. Niang, stepmother, became the head of the family instead of Nai Nai. She deserts the rest of the family in the third floor. She minds her own business and do not take care of the children. The new school was far way, Mei and her siblings need money for the tram. At the end, the only one who does not receive tram fare’s money is Mei due to her pride of not forgiving Niang’s statement she did wrong for asking money from her grandpa.
Quote
“All night, while listening to the monks praying and watching their shining bald heads in the flickering candlelight, I half yearned and half feared that Nai Nai would crawl out and resume her place among us" (Mah 20).
Reaction
Adeline Yen Mah’s style of writing is amusing. Every word written in the book is enjoyable. Her great use of imagery does not bore the reader at all. The story is narrated in first person and goes chronologically. The narrator is Wu Mei. The quote above describes Mei’s thoughts of spending the night with her death grandmother (grandmother is in a coffin) in a room. She is scared because her third big brother told her that her grandmother will awake and walk around. This is one of many examples of how Mei is mistreated by her siblings. After all, the book is called Chinese Cinderella.
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