Description
1.The image of sword, which some would read as a phallic symbol, appears several times in the novel “Farewell My Concubine”. For example, they first saw it in a shop as Little Bean ( Xiao Douzi) wishes he could buy it and give it to Little Rock (Xiao Shitou) as a gift. Then Dieyi sees it again in Yuan Shiye’s house and is able to get it from Yuan. Later Juxian brings the sword with herself to see Yuan Shiye to ask him to rescue Xiaolou. During the Cultural Revolution, the sword gets them into trouble because it used to be hung next Mao’s portrait in Xiaolou’s residence. When they are being struggled against by the Red Guards, the sword has reappeared once more. Finally, almost at the end of the novel, in their reunion, in performing their old roles, Dieyi cut himself with this same sword and gets bloody. After carefully reading these passages (and possibly other relevant passages), please describe the possible symbolic implications of “sword” in the novel. (max 400 words)
2.The relationship between “life on stage” and “life off stage” is an important thematic concern in “Farewell My Concubine.” Use specific examples to discuss how differently and/or similarly Dieyi and Xiaolou each views this relationship and how such differences/similarities have shaped their respective lives and careers. (max 400 words)
3.1. In the novel “Farewell My Concubine,” on page 255, it reads: “He decided to drop by the bathhouse and have a long soak. But when he got there, he saw tht the sign over the entrance had been changed from BATHING IN VIRTUE POOL to read FINLAND BATHS. There wasn’t even any refuge in virtue any more.” What is the implied meaning of this passage? 2. In the movie, unlike in the novel, there is no mention of their being reunited in Hong Kong at all. What is the possible reason for such omission on the part of the movie producer? In the movie, it is suggested that Dieyi commits suicide at the end with that sword, while in the novel, he does not commit suicide and it is said that “he would not die for love”. Compare these two different conclusions and discuss their possible different implications. (max 400 words)
4.1. In “Butcher’s Wife” Women’s own complicity in women’s oppression is an important theme. Use specific examples from the story to explore the role of such complicity in the tragedy of Lin Shi. 2. In “Three Inch Golden Lotus” women are said to have actively and sometimes even willingly participated in foot-binding, a practice thought to be invented by men to oppress women. Compare these two works to see how women become accomplices in their own victimization. (max 500 words)
