1.Comment upon Jack's mother's art of making paper menagerie?
Answer: Jack's mother was skilled in the art of origami, which she referred to as "zhezhi" She could
create intricate paper animals, such as tigers, that were so lifelike they could move and even make
sounds. This was a unique talent that she used to connect with her son and share her cultural
heritage with him. However, as Jack grew older, he began to see these creations as childish and
embarrassing, leading him to reject them.
2. What made Jack almost stop talking to his mother?
Answer: Jack's relationship with his mother began to deteriorate as he grew older and became more
conscious of the cultural differences between them.
He was embarrassed by her broken English and Chinese accent, and he began to correct her and
eventually stopped speaking to her altogether when she was around. His mother's attempts to
connect with him, such as miming things or trying to hug him like American mothers do, only
annoyed him further. This combined with his desire to fit in with his American peers, led him to
almost stop talking to his mother.
3. What problems did Jack face in America? Why did the natives bully him?
Answer: Jack faced significant cultural and racial challenges in America. He was bullied at school,
particularly by a boy named Mark, who made fun of his Chinese heritage. This bullying was so severe
that Jack began to reject his Chinese identity, even asking his father if he had a "chink face" He also
insisted that his family eat American food and speak English at home, further distancing himself from
his Chinese heritage. The bullying and his desire to fit in American peers led him to reject his
mother’s Chinese heritage.
4. Who was Susan? What was her attitude towards Jack's mother and her art of paper menagerie?
Answer: Susan was Jack's girlfriend. She found Jack's mother's paper menagerie in the attic and was
amazed by the artistry, referring to Jack's mother as an "amazing artist". This suggests that Susan had
a positive and appreciative attitude towards Jack's mother and her art of paper menagerie.
5. How was Jack affected by the letter written to him by his mother after her death?
Answer: Jack was deeply affected by the letter written to him by his mother
revealed his mother's life story, her struggles, and her love for him. It made him realize the sacrifices
his mother made and the cultural heritage she tried to pass on to him. This realization brought him a
sense of regret and longing for his mother. He even sought help to understand the Chinese
characters in the letter, showing his renewed interest in his Chinese heritage.
