Based on what you have read in the novel and what you know of China, do you agree with the American teachers that girls and women are powerless and oppressed in this Eastern culture? Explain your answer with evidence from the text.

Examine Tao Ailin’s character. Describe her personality and how readers might relate to her. Is she an admirable character? Why? What makes her that way? Provide textual examples.

Look closely at the relationships Ailin has with the women in her family as well as the men. How are Ailin’s family relationships indicative of Chinese values and traditions at this time? And how does this affect her destiny?