Dragonwings

How does the solidarity between Moon Shadow and Windrider guide Moon Shadow’s journey to maturity? Select at least three different scenes that exemplify the key qualities of their unity of purpose.

What does the text imply about the position and the experience of Chinese women as immigrants in America? Why does Uncle Bright Star impede Moon Shadow’s mother coming to the United States?

What historical elements and events does the author use to explore the Chinese American experience during the early 20th century? How does the fictional narrative contribute to our understanding of the Chinese American experience as a whole?

What factors contribute to Moon Shadow’s fears? How does he experience the racial tensions in San Francisco? What are his views on white Americans, and how does his perspective change throughout the story?

Compare and contrast the relationship between Uncle Bright Star and Black Dog with the relationship between Windrider and Moon Shadow. Using at least three examples from the text, analyze how the values of Chinese culture influence the nature of each relationship.

Analyze Windrider’s search for belonging and coming-of-age quest as the story develops. What does the Dragon King story mean for his character and how does it connect to the title?

Intercultural relationships in the text exemplify positive cultural exchange, sharing, and acceptance of difference. Identify and analyze those moments in the story. What is the key element of those relationships? How do they contribute to Moon Shadow’s development of personal identity?

What abstract ideals does the Company represent, and how does the Company influence the relationship between Moon Shadow and Windrider?