Waiting

Lesson 4
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ELA

Unit 6

11th Grade

Lesson 4 of 30

Objective


Evaluate the merits of Lin’s request for a divorce.

Analyze the author’s development of the characters and conflict.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Waiting by Ha Jin  pp. 9 – 17 — Prologue

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

In the context of the judge’s rejection of the divorce request by Lin, the judge’s comments (“you are a revolutionary officer…unfaithful in words and deeds”) mainly serve to

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Which choice best supports the claim that Lin does not often experience strong feelings?

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Writing Prompt

If you were the judge, would you grant Lin a divorce from Shuyu? Why or why not? Use evidence to support your answer.

The novel is set in two separate locations in China. What are the similarities and differences between these locations? Just as the settings are different, the two women in Lin Kong’s life are different. Based on what you have read so far, describe how they are different.

Key Questions


  • Where are Mana and Shuyu headed on p. 9? Track details about their journey and Bensheng, their companion.
  • How does the simile about the bundles of wheat and millet contribute to the mood and tone?
  • What do the details given by the narrator on pp. 9–10 suggest about Wujia Town and Goose Village?
  • What do we learn about divorce in rural China in the early 1980s?
  • What letter does Lin hand the judge? How else does Lin explain his desire for a divorce?
  • How does Bensheng characterize Shuyu and her plight over the past twenty years?
  • What impact do Bengsheng’s words have on Lin? Shuyu? The judge? You?
  • What is the judge’s decision? What is his criticism of Lin Kong?
  • How does the narrator characterize the judge on pp. 10–13?
  • What do we learn about Lin’s emotional state on p. 14? 
  • What do you learn about Manna Wu on pp. 14–15?
  • Why is she not surprised by the court’s decision? What does it imply when she says that Lin chooses “the easy way out”?
  • Describe Manna and Lin’s relationship. How do army hospital rules impact their relationship? 
  • In what year (approximately) can we infer that the events of the prologue occur? Why?

Notes


  • The novel takes place roughly between 1963 and 1983. Be sure students are aware of shifts in setting—both time and place.
  • Target Task questions 3 and 4 could be written or discussion or both depending on timing.
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