Waiting

Lesson 9
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ELA

Unit 6

11th Grade

Lesson 9 of 30

Objective


Describe the Cultural Revolution and how the choice of setting impacts the plot.

Analyze how the opinion of other members of their community impact Manna and Lin and their developing relationship.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Waiting by Ha Jin  pp. 55 – 61 — Part One: Chapter 6

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Explain how the author’s choice of setting impacts Manna and Lin’s relationship. Use evidence from today’s readings and/or previous readings to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What was the purpose and impact of the Cultural Revolution? What was the role of the Red Guard? What role did Mao play in the activities of the Red Guard?
  • Based on the narrator’s descriptions on p. 55, what impact is the Cultural Revolution having on the hospital staff? What advice does Lin give Manna? Why?
  • How does the author’s choice to set the story during the Cultural Revolution impact the plot?
  • What does the angel story reveal about Manna? China? How do Manna’s words develop the theme of happiness and discontent? How do the events of the Cultural Revolution (in the novel and in history) also develop that theme? Continue to track its development in these pages.
  • Track the author’s development of the relationship between Lin and Manna on pp. 57–59.
  • How does the author develop the idea that their relationship is hurting their reputations at work even though they are do everything else right?
  • Who is Ran Su? What promise does Lin make to Ran Su?
  • What is ironic about Ran Su being the one who warned Lin about his books?
  • Why does Manna cry on p. 60? How does this develop the theme of discontent?
  • How does the public disapproval impact Lin?
  • How is the setting impacting Manna and Lin’s relationship?

Notes


  • Students have already watched a video on the Cultural Revolution, but the article adds detail to their understandings. Students should read the article for homework the night before or as a Do Now at the start of class.
  • Students who have read The Scarlet Letter might make a connection in this chapter. As Manna cries about their plight of forbidden love on p. 60, she places her hand on her side, reminiscent of Dimmesdale’s hand over his heart. Ran-Su’s hypocrisy (he rejects their relationship but is okay with the illegal books!) also begs parallels. Discussing similarities between the two couples’ situations and the impact that strict societal dogma has on them could be powerful.
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