Quiz 2

Identify the speaker(s) of each excerpt below and write a few sentences about what the significance of the passage is: what does it show about the character and the situation and why is it important? Do not simply summarize what is happening in the passage; be sure to analyze what the passage shows you.

1. "In many ways I feel so comfortable here -- sometimes more comfortable than I felt at home....I think it is because your culture encourages people to speak openly and frankly."

2. "But soon I'll tell them, and they will just have to get used to the idea. He is the man I will marry....I am eighteen years old, after all. I have to lead my own life."

3. "You're a college student and need to enjoy college life. You're not a diplomat, you know....I feel like marching up to Ms. Mullen and telling her that you simply don't have time for all you do."

4. "Another thing I have marveled at is the open communication between different age groups. Freshmen can talk to seniors about all sorts of things. They can be good friends and go places together. The distinction in age and rank is not so rigid."

5. "I feel that ! can provide you with a little advice. There is an English expression about doing things like a Roman when you are in Rome. I thought that expression was very wise. My main concern is that you always want to do everything so perfectly. Give yourself some time."

        6. "What is going on with this child? You were told to leave campus and rest"
             "I'm sorry. These two insisted on using the kitchen."
             "What a stubborn girl," she said shaking her head, "Full of surprises."

         7."My work at the hospital and school is difficult, and often very sad. So many people are in need                   

           of so many basics. I cannot wait for you to return and join me in my work. We can do so much         

           good together. It is a noble life to help others."

         8. "It just gets so hard after a while. I keep falling further and further behind in my studies. And      

           I'm tired of this feeling of always having to explain myself. I have to work for every little bit of      

           acceptance and understanding."

         9. "They all looked so elegant in their high heels and gloves. I pictured myself all dressed up,       

          walking with them in a leisurely way, and chatting about the last mixer. But I could not daydream    

          long, for it was time to pick up my tray to begin serving."

        10. "It's a waste of time to pretend I like things just to please them. I refuse to do that anymore. I 

         know what I want for my life. I want to be a classics professor."

Information about the author

"Through my writing, I want to bring to life the history and culture of Korea to share with all my American friends." -- Sook Nyul Choi

Also, here is a good resource for information on the author:

http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/choi.html

And here are some notes from today's class (because I am not sure everyone was taking them down!):

b. 1937 N Korea
fled to S Korea because of war (Japanese and Russian occupation)
studied in U.S for college -- Manhattanville
became a teacher in NY, then moved to MA to become a writer
5 books, based on her life, many awards
1st book: Year of Impossible Goodbyes features story of Sookan as a child
our book: theme of American culture vs. Korean culture, roles of women
purpose: teach Americans about Korean culture
genre: historical fiction

Gathering of Pearls

New year...new book. A novel this time. It is about a young woman who leaves Korea to study at an American university in the 1950s. There are vocabulary words and study questions posted on the portal under the topic page for this book.