Boggioenglish.weebly.com



English 11Name: __________________________________The Strangeness of Beauty (1999) by Lydia Minatoya 22 pointsBackground on the Text: The Strangeness of Beauty (1999) is Lydia Minatoya’s first novel. The book explores three generations of women in pre-World War II Japan. In it, the three women—a Japanese woman from a prestigious samurai family (Chie), her ignored American-immigrant daughter (Etsuko), and her American-born granddaughter (Hanae)—learn much about each other and the world during their turbulent years together. This excerpt depicts a young man named Akira breaking from Japanese tradition in seeking Naomi’s hand in marriage directly instead of through a “go-between” (or Yoshi). Most of the dialogue is between Akira and Chie (Naomi’s mother). Style: ContemporaryDifficulty: Japanese customs and cultural expectations regarding marriage.Quickwrite/Journal- Directions: Respond to the prompts below in a few sentences. The statistics below are for your information in relation to the topics. Answer in complete sentences.FACTSConsider sharing the following: In Japan (prior to World War II), bride and groom had to be from households of equal social standing. What’s more, the social standing of every member of the household was at stake in selecting a partner in marriage.As a result, marriages were not about attraction/love but involved careful consideration by other adult household members and by skilled go-betweens—who also performed roles in the wedding ceremony and as a consultant and mediator for the bride and groom after marriage. Traditionally, the higher the social standing of either the bride or the groom’s family, the more likely they would adhere to this practice—usually resulting in a marriage of comparative strangers. These practices have evolved since World War II (when the novel/excerpt is set); now, many successful modern Japanese women tend to decide against marriage and child rearing. * 56% of single women do want to marry eventually; however, marriage is widely seen as a “farewell to personal freedom” * 10% of single women ages 35-39 told a survey they have “resolved never to marry,” as did 25% of single women in their 40s; in 1950, only 1.4% of women never married (an increase of more than 30% over a 50-year period) Another option… * Fact: nearly half of American marriages end in divorce. * In countries such as India and Pakistan, where marriages are often brokered by families or professional matchmakers for religious and cultural reasons, divorce rates are significantly lower. * According to Robert Epstein, a research psychologist and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today, these lower divorce rates in India and Pakistan are because expectations start low in these marriages and “love grows slowly and extended families lend support.” * Arguing for the benefits of these arranged marriages, Epstein states that "love" marriages often start “steamy but quickly cool off, leading to fraught families and unhappy hearts.” PROMPTS-6 pointsAre arranged marriages—rather than “love” marriages based on attraction—potentially better (in the long term)? Are there specific marriage expectations in your family/culture? (e.g. marriage of equal social class/education, marriage to someone from same race or ethnic background, marriage to someone from same religion/church) Would you consider marrying for another reason than love/attraction? If so, what would be some of those reasons/considerations?Post reading Instructions 6 pointsOf the elements (Details, Language, Syntax), which seem(s) most important to comprehension early on (lines #1-10)?“Deferential peek” (line 34) 4. Describe what this word “deferential” means or connotes in these lines? Find an example of imagery—look for figurative language (i.e. a simile, metaphor, etc.)Identify 2-3 details that give us some insight into why Chie responds so negatively to Akira’s marriage proposal.Find the word “yoshi” (line 68). Why is it footnoted? 2. How is the author’s use of syntax (lines 84-86) purposeful? What does it reveal about the Chie’s reaction to Akira’s proposal?Extended Response 10 pointsDirections: Use specific lines from the text to support your analysis. 1-2 paragraphs (You may need to attach a piece of lined paper to complete this taskExplain how Minatoya’s use of language and details help the reader understand the impropriety of Akira’s marriage proposal. (impropriety- a failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty; improper language, behavior, or character) ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download