Tutorial 9

NOVEL AS GENRE

Short Fiction vs Novel

  • Short Fiction

    • Shorter

    • Fewer events

    • Limited number and development of characters

    • Tends to be brief

    • Quicker pacing

    • Shorter time frame

  • Novel

    • Longer

    • More events

    • Multiple characters and more in-depth development

    • Tends to involve more locations

    • Space for slower pacing

    • Longer time frame

Bildungsroman

Definition and Development

  • What is a bildungsroman?

    • A literary genre focusing on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood.

  • What kind of development is Guo’s novel interested in?

    • Explore the protagonist's progression and self-discovery.

  • Is the bildungsroman an effective form for Guo’s purpose?

    • Analyze how it fits the themes in Guo's narrative.

Female Perspective

  • Protagonist's Gender

    • Discuss the significance of having a young woman as the main character.

    • Compare with classical European bildungsroman which often features a young man.

    • Explore potential significance of this shift in perspective.

Dictionary Format

  • Choice of Structure

    • Why does Guo opt for a dictionary format?

    • Consider if dictionary entries are more effective than conventional chapters for tracking the heroine’s linguistic development.

  • Example Analysis

    • Review a dictionary entry to compare how they mimic yet differ from traditional entries.

'Hostel' Entry

  • Perspective on Language

    • Zhuang comments on the simplicity of English language compared to Chinese.

    • Analyze her initial attitudes towards the English language.

    • Provide textual examples to illustrate (e.g., the entry "beginner").

'Fog' Entry

  • Initial Impressions of England

    • Zhuang’s observations on London reflecting her thoughts on nobility versus reality.

    • Identify who the “Alis” are.

    • Discuss why Zhuang relates London to a “refugee camp.”

Chinese Idioms

  • Significance of Chinese Culture

    • Discuss the frequent mention of Chinese characters and idioms in the novel.

    • Cite an example and elaborate its significance within the story.

'Alien' Entry

  • Perceptions of Language

    • Quote: "Birds have their bird language, beasts have their beast talk."

    • Discuss the implications of language as a form of identity.

'Full English Breakfast' Entry

  • Saying Analysis

    • Quote: "The stupid bird should fly first before other birds start to fly."

    • Explore the metaphorical meaning behind this saying.

'Fertilise' Entry

  • Cultural Expressions

    • Quote: "Chinese we say shi yue huai tai. It means giving the birth after ten months pregnant."

    • Discuss how this reflects linguistic differences in cultural norms about pregnancy.

Cultural Translation

  • Title Significance

    • Analyze the title “A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers.”

    • Explore how Zhuang engages in cultural translation throughout the novel.

    • Examine different aspects of cultural translation (e.g., love, language, food, pregnancy).

'English' Novel

  • Zhuang’s Language Skills

    • Describe Zhuang’s English proficiency during her early months in England.

    • Reflect on how Guo's novel challenges views on English literature, particularly in relation to colonial perspectives.

    • Discuss how contemporary writers can reclaim English literature.