Waiting

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 6

11th Grade

Lesson 13 of 30

Objective


Analyze the author’s development of Lin’s character and the central conflict of the novel.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Waiting by Ha Jin  pp. 86 – 96 — Part One: Chapter 11

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which of the following most accurately describes Lin’s predicament as it is developed in this chapter?

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What does the predicament reveal about Lin as a character?

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Writing Prompt

Do you agree or disagree with Lin’s decision not to seek a divorce? Why? How does knowing that he will do this 18 more times impact your opinion?

Key Questions


  • Note the setting change.
  • At the end of chapter 10, Lin had resolved to ask Shuyu for a divorce. Track his thoughts and actions now that he is at home. Do they convey that he is a man about to demand a divorce? Explain.
  • How does Shuyu’s story on pp. 90–91 help to characterize Bensheng?
  • What is the basket Shuyu prepares for Lin on p. 92?
  • How are Lin’s feelings for Shuyu different when he is in the village than when he is in the city? Why? Explain.
  • According to the narrator on p. 96, what realization kept Lin from pursuing a divorce during this visit home?
  • What do we learn about Lin in this chapter? 
  • How does the author’s decision to structure the novel by starting in the present and going backwards develop the dramatic irony of this chapter? How does it impact your understanding of Lin? Explain.
  • When you read “The Lady with the Dog,” you considered the idea of fate vs. free will. Are Lin and Manna fated to live life in limbo? Or is it an act of free will? Explain. (This would be a good discussion question.)
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Lesson 12

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Lesson 14

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