Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

-Why does the author exaggerate?

            Brave Orchid is an exaggerated character. She is so domineering that she has become a caricature.

-What is the significance of the “Gold Mountain”?

            It shows their “grass is greener on the other side” mentality.

-Why do Brave Orchid’s children seem untraditional?

            They have become Americanized. There are so many differences between the cultures that they have changed from growing up here.

-What is the significance of the title?

            It is the name of the story Brave Orchid told in the car.

-What is the meaning of the names Brave Orchid and Moon Orchid?

            Brave Orchid shows her domineering and confident nature, and Moon Orchid represents her soft, meek demeanor.

-What effect did Brave Orchid have on the meeting with Moon Orchid’s husband?

            Moon Orchid was embarrassed by the whole situation and Brave Orchid pushed her into it even though she didn’t want to do it.

-How does the history of communism affect the story?

            It affects their behavior, because their upbringing and manner is completely different.

-What does the relationship between the sisters show?

They’re very honest and confrontational with each other and show a sharper contrast between their personalities. Being in America has hardened Brave Orchid while Moon Orchid is still soft.

           

-Is the use of “Orchid” symbolic?

Yes, it shows that they are both two beautiful flowers.

-What made is difficult for Moon Orchid to complete tasks?

            Moon Orchid grew up relaxed and with Brave Orchid in control, so she isn’t used to having to do these menial tasks.

-What is shown by all the characters being women?

            It shows that women can be warriors. Even though, Moon Orchid is timid, she is still her own type of warrior.

-Why does Brave Orchid tell the story “At the Western Palace”?

            She tells it to try to influence Moon Orchid to talk to her husband, but it just scares her.

-Which character does Kingston relate to most?

            Moon Orchid because she’s more sympathetic to her personality or Brave Orchid because it’s more from her position.

-If you were Moon Orchid, would you go see your husband?

            No, because she’s more timid from her traditional Chinese upbringing.

-Are Moon Orchid’s hallucinations symbolic?

            Insanity is a theme in the novel.

-Do they use fallacies to express their opinions?

            Yes, Brave Orchid’s arguments for going and seeing her husband are riddles with fallacies.

-What does the story say about Chinese culture?

            Man is the leader. Honesty and humility are some of the core values of the culture.

-Why does Brave Orchid want her to be with her husband?

            She is looking out for her sister, but, in a more sinister way, she just wants her sister out of her house because she’s really annoying.

-What causes Moon Orchid’s husband to change?

            He also has a “grass is greener on the other side” mentality that was born when he arrived in America.