Sui Sin Far and Sarah Winnemucca Discussion Notes

Sui Sin Far - Edith Maude Eaton

• Mrs. Spring Fragrance's Negotiation:

  • How does Mrs. Spring Fragrance navigate the expectations of Chinese and American traditionalists?
  • In what specific ways does her story critique both cultures?

• Mr. Spring Fragrance and His Neighbor:

  • Tone of the speakers in the top half of page 914 during their discussion about America and the expectations of Chinese immigrants.
  • What can be learned from their exchange?

• Mrs. Spring Fragrance's Power/Influence:

  • How does Mrs. Spring Fragrance exercise power or influence, being caught between two traditionally patriarchal cultures?

Sarah Winnemucca

• Rhetorical Situation of Winnemucca’s Narrative:

  • Analysis of the rhetorical situation of Winnemucca's narrative.
  • Who seems to be her primary intended audience?
  • What specific details does she choose to share with this audience?
  • What effect would she seem to want her choices to have on her readers?

• Role of Women in Piute Culture:

  • Winnemucca's description of the role of women in Piute culture on page 505 of Life Among the Piutes.
  • What historical context might be influencing her decision to talk about this?