Waiting

Lesson 21
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 6

11th Grade

Lesson 21 of 30

Objective


Analyze the development of Lin and Manna’s relationship.

Analyze the author’s development of thematic topics.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Waiting by Ha Jin  pp. 190 – 199 — Part Two: Chapters 11 and 12

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes a technique the narrator uses on p. 192 to show how preserving reputations impacts Lin’s and Manna’s lives.

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

In comparing the lives of Lin and Manna with the lives of colleagues and relations, on pp. 198–199, the narrator emphasizes the

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Writing Prompt

When it comes to Lin and Manna, there can be no happiness, only waiting and discontent. Agree or disagree?

Key Questions


Chapter 11:

  • What does Lin notice about Manna when he returns? Why do you think she tells him she is fine?
  • Track the narrator’s descriptions and Lin’s reactions when Manna finally tells him about the rape. What does the motif of birds add to the scene?
  • Why does Lin say, “I should’ve taken precautions after he said a heart was just a chunk of flesh” on p. 192? What does he think he should have realized?
  • Why does Manna blame Lin? Why does Lin blame himself? How do you feel about Lin’s reaction? Does it make you think more highly or more negatively about him? Why?
  • Lin and Manna are constantly concerned about their reputations and others’ opinions. How does this issue appear on pp. 192–194? What do they lose in spending so much time worrying about appearances?
  • Do you think they can protect Manna’s reputation this time? Why or why not? Why is it significant that the rape was not her fault and yet it might be hard to protect her reputation?
  • What is the significance of the fruit motif at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 12:

  • What does Mrs. Su mean when she yells “self-delivery” at Manna on p. 195? What does the character of Mrs. Su represent? How do her insults impact Manna?
  • How does the leak of information about her rape affect Manna’s friendship with Haiyan? Her relationship with Lin?
  • How does the author further develop the idea of fate on p. 198? Do you agree with Manna that she has no choice but to wait for Lin now? Is her free will gone?
  • What conclusions are Manna and Lin drawing about their fate as a couple in this chapter? What evidence shows this?
  • “As time slipped by, people grew oblivious to the origin of the rule, as though it were a sacred decree whose authenticity no one would dare question.” What is the author describing with this sentence on p. 198? What might also be the larger significance of this line? 
  • On pp. 198–199, the narrator offers descriptions of Manna and Lin in contrast with other characters. What is the narrator emphasizing?
  • What do we learn will finally happen in 1984?

Notes


While the target tasks focus on the idea of happiness, discontent, and waiting, these chapters also lend themselves to discussions of fate as well as loyalty and reputation. The teacher should decide, based on discussions, data, etc., which thematic topic(s) to emphasize in addition.

icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 20

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 22

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free