chinese cynderella Flashcards
Q: Who wrote Chinese Cinderella and what is it about?
A: Chinese Cinderella is an autobiographical memoir by Adeline Yen Mah. It recounts her experiences growing up in an abusive and neglectful family in 20th-century China. The extract focuses on a pivotal moment when she is called to see her father, leading to an important revelation about her future.
Q: What is the purpose of this extract?A:
The purpose is to highlight themes of neglect, resilience, and self-worth. Mah reflects on her difficult childhood while showing how education and perseverance became her escape.
Q: How does Mah structure the passage?A:
✔ Introduction → The tension of being summoned by her father.✔ Middle section → Her emotional reaction and the conversation with her father.✔ Conclusion → The moment of realization about her future, mixed with relief and sadness.
Q: What are the key themes in Chinese Cinderella?A:
Family Neglect & Cruelty – Mah’s parents are emotionally distant and dismissive.
Hope & Perseverance – Despite adversity, she remains hopeful about her future.
Education as an Escape – She sees academic success as a way to gain independence.
Isolation & Rejection – She is treated as an outsider in her own home.
Power & Control – Her father holds authority over her future.
Q: How does Mah portray her relationship with her father?
A: It is cold and formal. He sees her as unimportant, only acknowledging her when she succeeds.
Q: How does Mah create tension before meeting her father?A:
✔ Short sentences → “Summoned by Father? (Builds suspense.)
✔ Rhetorical questions → “Why? Was it bad news?” (Reflects her anxiety.)
✔ Contrast → Her excitement clashes with fear and uncertainty.
Q: How does Mah show her father’s coldness?A:
✔ Dialogue → “Sit down!” (Commands rather than speaks warmly.)
✔ Formal tone → His speech is distant and emotionless.
✔ Absence of affection → He does not praise her personally.
Q: How does the structure reflect Mah’s emotions?A:
✔ Begins with tension → The mystery of the meeting creates fear.
✔ Middle shows emotional conflict → She wants approval but feels small and powerless.
✔ Ends with mixed emotions → Success is bittersweet.
Q: What is the impact of ‘Summoned by Father?’A:
✔ Short, abrupt sentence → Creates fear and suspense.
✔ Impersonal title ‘Father’ → Shows distance in their relationship.
✔ Rhetorical question → Reflects her uncertainty and anxiety.
Q: How does Mah react to her father’s rare attention?
“Is it possible? Am I dreaming?”A:
✔ Repetition of questions → Highlights her disbelief.
✔ Contrast with past neglect → Shows how rare praise is for her.
✔ Dream-like quality → Emphasizes how much she craves approval.
Q: What does the phrase ‘Like entering the Holy of Holies’ reveal?A:
✔ Religious metaphor → Suggests her father’s room is forbidden and intimidating.
✔ Power imbalance → Highlights how small and powerless she feels.
✔ Reinforces tension → Meeting her father feels like facing judgment.
Q: How does Mah describe her nervousness?
“My heart was full of dread and I wondered what I had done wrong.”A:
✔ Personification (‘heart full of dread’) → Makes her fear seem overwhelming.
✔ Inner thoughts → Show self-doubt and anxiety.
✔ Contrast → She is being rewarded, but still expects punishment.
Q: What literary techniques does Mah use to engage the reader?A:
✔ Imagery → “The Holy of Holies” (Creates mystery and fear.)
✔ Rhetorical Questions → “Am I dreaming?” (Shows disbelief.)
✔ Contrast → Between her inner emotions and the reality of her success.
✔ Direct Speech → Makes the scene more immediate and intense.
✔ Short Sentences → Create tension and urgency.
Q: How does Mah use contrast to emphasize her emotions?
A: She contrasts her excitement at success with her fear of her father, creating emotional tension.
Q: How does Mah portray the power imbalance in her family?A:
✔ Her father’s formal speech and commands show his authority.
✔ Her nervousness and deference reflect her lack of power.
✔ The setting (‘Holy of Holies’) reinforces his dominance.
Q: How does Mah’s reaction to success reflect her past experiences?A:
✔ She is shocked and doubtful, showing how rarely she receives praise.
✔ Her hesitation and fear suggest she still expects rejection.
✔ Despite success, she feels trapped in a cycle of neglect.
Q: What is Mah’s ultimate message?A
: Success does not erase emotional pain. While education offers an escape, family neglect leaves lasting scars.
Q: Why is this extract effective?A:
✔ Creates suspense and tension.
✔ Explores complex family dynamics.
✔ Captures emotional conflict through language and structure.
