Summer 2010 Reading Prompts

Prompt 1: In The Good Earth, Wang Lung is proud of his children, although he does not always understand them clearly. In a well-organized essay, select three of Wang Lung's children, describe his misunderstandings of them, and how these misunderstandings are resolved or remain unresolved. Be sure to consider the value each character places upon the land and how that may affect these relationships.

Prompt 2: Kolya's story, "The Courtyard Hound," shares certain themes with City of Thieves. Identify and explain what you feel them to be.

Prompt 3: In the words of one reviewer, Water for Elephants "explores . . . the pathetic grandeur of the Depression-era circus." In what ways and to what extent do the words "pathetic grandeur" describe the world that Gruen creates in her novel?