What do we learn about growing up in America
as the daughter of Chinese immigrants? What
Chinese cultural forces shape the narrator of “No Name Woman”?
What do we learn about Chinese culture from the
aunt’s story? What was the role of women versus that of men?
The aunt crossed boundaries and you might argue that Kingston does as well in this essay. How and why does
Kingston break a family
taboo?
Identity issues abound in “No Name Woman.” You
might consider that we never learn the aunt’s name; however,
Kingston
does tell her story. Kingston also shares
examples from her life as she negotiates two cultures: American and Chinese. Come
to some conclusions regarding Kingston’s identity as a Chinese American.
Drafting an Essay
Assessment: After responding to
these questions, formulate a thesis: a main point that you would like to share with
your readers. Then pull from your above responses to support your thesis,
remembering to organize the points. Use examples from the text to support your assertions. Good
luck!
