Analysis of Intellectual Setting Aspects in the Jade Peony
According to Forster’s theory, there are 5 main aspects of a good setting; and the intellectual aspects are one of them. Wayson Choy clearly demonstrates this in the Jade Peony by showing the character’s constant indulgence of learning, schooling, and writing.
In the first part of the novel, Wayson Choy tells us, through the eyes of 9 year old Jook-Liang, how the characters are always yearning to learn. They go the cinema, then “[they] stayed late to catch the newsreel. China was at war, fighting the Japanese invaders.” Then, later on in the novel, Jung says that he goes to the library on several occasions to learn more; and that the father is always seen reading the paper, learning about International affairs. But, not only would they learn from outside sources like the library or the theaters, but they would also learn from the stories the grandmother, Poh-Poh, would tell her grandchildren of Old China.
Another way they setting maintains an intellectual aspect is how the children go to, not only English school, but to Chinese school as well. While reading, you can tell the children take their schooling very seriously, because they never once complain about school.
Finally, how Wayson Choy demonstrates how these characters are intellectual is how they are always writing. In the novel, the father is seen on several occasions writing essays; “Father, who was working on another editorial essay about China and the Japanese invasion…” Also, the Stepmother makes sure that the father is not the only one writing; she makes sure her children write well.
In conclusion, Wayson Choy adds variety of intellectual aspects to The Jade Peony. He makes sure his characters are perceived as smart and intellectual people who are constantly willing to learn
In the first part of the novel, Wayson Choy tells us, through the eyes of 9 year old Jook-Liang, how the characters are always yearning to learn. They go the cinema, then “[they] stayed late to catch the newsreel. China was at war, fighting the Japanese invaders.” Then, later on in the novel, Jung says that he goes to the library on several occasions to learn more; and that the father is always seen reading the paper, learning about International affairs. But, not only would they learn from outside sources like the library or the theaters, but they would also learn from the stories the grandmother, Poh-Poh, would tell her grandchildren of Old China.
Another way they setting maintains an intellectual aspect is how the children go to, not only English school, but to Chinese school as well. While reading, you can tell the children take their schooling very seriously, because they never once complain about school.
Finally, how Wayson Choy demonstrates how these characters are intellectual is how they are always writing. In the novel, the father is seen on several occasions writing essays; “Father, who was working on another editorial essay about China and the Japanese invasion…” Also, the Stepmother makes sure that the father is not the only one writing; she makes sure her children write well.
In conclusion, Wayson Choy adds variety of intellectual aspects to The Jade Peony. He makes sure his characters are perceived as smart and intellectual people who are constantly willing to learn