Waiting

Lesson 15
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ELA

Unit 6

11th Grade

Lesson 15 of 30

Objective


Analyze the impact of the setting on the plot of the novel.

Describe how the nature motifs add to the theme and plot development.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Waiting by Ha Jin  pp. 105 – 119 — Part Two: Chapters 1 and 2

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

All of the following are getting in the way of Lin and Manna being together at this point EXCEPT

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It can be reasonably inferred from the passage that Manna agrees to meet Liang Meng mainly to

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Writing Prompt

Choose either the birds or the grapes and explain how the author uses the motif of nature to help develop theme in these chapters. Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Key Questions


Chapter 1:

  • How does Lin feel when he gets the letter from his cousin? Why? Are you surprised by his reaction? Explain.
  • How does the author develop Lin’s internal conflict on p. 106?
  • How does Manna react when Lin suggests she look for someone to marry?
  • How does the narrator’s description of Manna’s smile as “sly” add to your understanding of her motivations?

Chapter 2:

  • How does Manna react to Lin’s cousin, Liang Meng? Track her thoughts and actions as revealed throughout the chapter.
  • Nature, specifically fruits, animals, and birds, appear throughout the novel as a motif. Track the description of the grapes. What do they seem to represent? How do they help to develop the scene on p. 112?
  • On pp. 113–119 there are mentions of several birds. Track these references. What do they seem to represent? How do they help to develop theme?
  • Why might Manna laugh when Liang quotes Chairman Mao?
  • We learn on p. 116 that Liang Meng is also waiting. What is he waiting for? Why?
  • How does Lin react when Manna declares she is uninterested in his cousin on p. 119?
  • How does Manna’s mention of birds develop the theme of love? Of fate? Of waiting?

Both Chapters – Discussion Questions:

  • How does the setting impact Manna and Lin’s ability to be together? How might their story be different in another time and place? In what ways is their story universal? What factors would keep them apart regardless of time or place?

Notes


Deepening students’ understanding of the emphasis placed on being a “model citizen” at this time in China’s history could help their comprehension of the novel. The teacher may wish to assign for homework this article (or another of his/her choosing).

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Lesson 14

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Lesson 16

Lesson Map

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