The Jade Peony Essay Questions

The following 16 questions are essay topics for the Jade Peony.

1.

Choy uses a variety of symbols to help support his story.  How do these symbols affect the novel?  How do they develop the characters, setting, and plot? 

2.

One of the biggest themes in the novel is the traditional life in China and the modern life in Canada.  How does this theme affect the story?   

3.

The novel alludes to several Chinese myths and stories, such as the Monkey King or the Fox Lady.  How do these Chinese myths and stories influence the novel?  Why does the author include them?  How do the Chinese myths compare or contrast with the legends of Tarzan or Robin Hood?

4.

One of the unique aspects of the novel is its three different narrators.  How do three different perspectives impact the overall story?  What similarities and differences do you see between the narrations?

5. 

The novel has real Canadian historical events such as World War Two, the Great Depression, and a variety of Canadian immigration issues.  How does this influence the story and the characters?  Do you think the use of real history is a good idea? 

6.

Liang, Jung, and Sekky all have important friends in the novel.  How do these friends influence them, and what themes do they support?

7.

The novel alludes to many famous North Americans like Shirley Temple or Joe Louis.  How do these allusions develop the themes or characters? 

8.

One of the major themes is integrating into Canadian society.  Using specific examples, what are the difficulties the characters face?  How does this impact the characters and the story?

9.

There are several examples of hardships faced by the characters.  How do these difficulties impact the novel?  What does it tell us about that time and place?

10.

The novel refers to several places in Vancouver including streets, parks, schools, and neighbourhoods.  How does the setting impact the story and the characters?

11.

Poh-Poh is a central character in the novel.  How are the other characters developed through Poh-Poh?

12.

Although it is subtle, there is conflict between members of the family.  Where do you see the conflict and what are some reasons for it?  How does this conflict influence the novel?

13.

Discuss the author’s use of humour in the story.  How does it impact the novel?

14.

There are several examples of mystery in the story.  Why do you think the author leaves so much for the reader to imagine?

15.

Luck is an important concept in the novel.  How does the idea of luck impact the characters and the story?

16.

The narrators are children.  How does their age impact the narration?  Do you like the use of the children as narrators?