The Family Chao

Discuss the use of foreshadowing in the book, citing especially the prologues to the two parts of the novel and Dagou many fantasies about killing Leo. Explain how the foreshadowing affects the quality of narrative suspense and sets the reader up for dramatic irony and surprise.

Discuss the ways Chang, as an author, introduces and uses anti-Asian bias and prejudice by white people to create conflict in the novel. What larger comment is she making about discriminatory stereotypes and attitudes in the United States?

Examine the role that Loyalty, Filial Piety, and Sacrifice for Family play in the plot, up to and including O-Lan’s loyalty to her mother, which makes her want to punish Leo and his sons. Discuss how you see the ideal of filial piety creating conflict between the various characters. Why do each of Leo’s sons feel a sense of guilt and complicity in his death, and why is Dagou willing to go to prison when he didn’t commit murder?