Growing Up Asian in Australia: Intro + Pigs Questions

Introduction by Alice Pung

1. What were Asian-Australians referred to as when the author was growing up?
The Asian -Australians were referreed to as power points. 

2. How does she interpret this title?
She interprets this title as a cute face and as a smart person.

3. What did this title actually refer to? Did the author find this demeaning? Why/why not?
This title refereed to the Asians actually looking like the power point, she didn't find this demeaning, she thought of it as a funny meaning and sort of cute, be she didn't know why they were called that because they were white. 

4. ‘All that untapped potential! All that electrifying bra in power!’ What techniques are being employed by the author? How does they highlight he misunderstanding?
The techniques being used are exaggeration, repetition of 'all that', innocence of not knowing its a bad word. They highlight her misunderstanding because its a bad word but she thinks its good.

5. What did the teen author take away from teen fiction? What did she feel that she needed to do? Why? What does this say is essential to fitting in to a culture?

That the teen fiction books were stupid and put her down. She felt like she needed to have plastic surgery because she wasn't perfect. What this says about fitting in to a culture is that you have to be perfect.

6. Who are the authors that she turns to? Why?

She turned to John Marsden and Robert Cormier because they wrote about honesty and real feelings about coming of age. 

7. In the third paragraph how does the author use repetition. How does it highlight the focus of this book?
Parents, grand parents, great grand parents. The use of parents. This highlights the focus on the whole generation and every that had passed by being Asian-American was effected. 

8. What metaphor does the author use to highlight the writers and the writing style in the third paragraph?
I can't find the metaphor

9. Why does the author use a quote in the 4^th paragraph? What does it say about her reaction to the stories in the book?
The author uses a quote in the 4th  paragraph to show that she has listened to others and if bring other people into this book and using their quotes. It tells us that her reactions to the story are that she feels for them and agrees with what they say.

10. On page 2 the author talks about the themes that she loosely choose for the collection. What are they and why is it ironic that they show up in this book?

Aussie Slang. They are the use of " the Battler, The pioneer, The legend.". Its ironic that they show up in this book because you would assume that Asians wouldn't use them but since they are Australian as well they do, and also because they're not white. 

11. At the bottom of pg 3 on to page 4 the author says that sociologists have described Asians as the ‘model minority’. What is meant by this? What difficulties arise out of this label for young Asian-Australians?
This is meant that they are what you would call the minority of the public. The difficulties that arise from this is that they are automatically put in that genre and is hard to get out. It would make their life harder knowing that they are the minority. 

12. What are the editor’s hopes for the collection of stories?
The editor's hope are that these stories help Asian-Australians through their every day battles and help them to know that there are many others.

Pigs from Home by Hop Dac

1. How does the author start this story which is in direct contrast to the title of the story? What effect does this have on the reader and their expectations of the story?
The contrast of humans to animals, it tells us that this story will be quite different to the others and makes us expect something different.

2. What core Vietnamese value is instilled in the author?
A good Vietnamese family is a sustained one.

3. What is humorous about the mother’s ‘flair for natural medicine’ in regards to her personality?
What's humorous about the mother's flair for natural medicine in regards to her personality is because she cares too much for them.

4. How does the description of the killing of pigeons continue the style utilised in the introduction of the story?
It shows the brutality and the harshness of the theme of the story.

5. What is the author’s opinion of pigs? Give two quotes to support your conclusion.
The author does not like pigs at all.
eg 1. "No pig has ever been a friend of mine"
eg 2. "repugnant beast: The Pig"

6. In the paragraph on pgs 53-54, give two examples of alliteration employed by the author.
1. Pushed the poultry. 
2. Blowing raspberries of bellies on babies.

7. On pg 54 what simile is used to describe pigs? How does this simile work for the situation it is used?
A pig is like the ocean: don't ever put your back on it. This simile works for the situation it is used in because the ocean is dangerous and the pig is dangerous, also because the chicken put its back on the pig. 

8. What simile does the author use to describe her mother sunning herself? How does this relate to the core focus of the story?
Turning herself like a rotisserie chicken. This relates to the core focus of the story because they are talking about chickens and also because the animals represent people?

9. What does the author describe as ‘the divide between the old world and the new’? What do you think is meant by this statement?
The author describes the new and old worlds as growing up. I think this statement means that the author is growing up and that question divides that. 

10. What is the author’s reaction to the slaughter of the pig at night? What statement does the author make about the neighbours which displays the way he feels about the whole experience? What is important about including this statement?
The author is surprised and disgusted. He wonders if the neighbors can hear, this displays that he is sort of ashamed about the whole experience. Its important to include this statement because he feels guilty about the killing of the pig.

11. Why don’t the parents have pigs anymore? How does this relate to the description of the burial of the last pig they owned?
The parents don't have anymore pigs because they all died and they didn't want to kill anymore pigs. This related to the burial of the last pig they owned because it was unfairly killed and they just tossed him in the grave. 

12. How would you characterise the description of the mother’s treatment of the pig’s blood? Is it appetising?
I would characterise it as weird.. i don't find it appetising at all.

13. What is ironic about the way the author has a popular Vietnamese dish? What is it about the way the author describes the experience of having pigs that makes it ironic?
What's ironic about the Vietnamese dish is that they're in Australia.

14. How does this story relate to the title Pigs from Home?
The story relates to Pigs from home because the author is calling Australia their home and the pigs are from there, no matter where he has the dish, he links the pig to Australia. 

15. Why do you think this story is in the Battlers section of the book?
I think the story is in the Battlers section of the book because it would have been a hard time to endure the death of the pigs and also because the author battles through the memories of the pigs squeal. Also, because the the pigs battle through their life.

Writing letters

Pretend that the father resigned when Bruno couldn't be found. What would the letter to the 'Fury' be like?
Dear Fuhrer,
     It is in my great condolences and pains me to say it, but after the loss of my only son, who i loved dearly, i have to resign from my job. I hope you understand that this is a tough time for me and I don't want to lose my daughter too. This isn't a place for kids to be around as we can see. I want to do what I can for the fatherland but through the loss of my son I have seen how bad this place can be, it has hit me with surprise. Again I hope you understand and can see the position I am in.
   Regards, Commander ______




Write a letter from Gretel to Bruno after he went missing.
Dear Bruno,
     No one knows where you have gone, i miss you very much, although I annoy you a lot and make life hard for you, I love you and want you to come back. I know you probably won't get this letter but i had to tell you some way that after all these years. I know you might not believe me, but I always had your feelings in consideration whenever i did something to annoy you. I do it because sometimes at home i get lonely and its the only way i know how to interact with you. Please come home. I miss you, mother misses you, father misses you, Maria misses you, everyone misses you Bruno. Please come home.
I hope you get this letter
Love Gretel

Holocaust Art: "It Takes But One" by Elizabeth Denholm and Alyssa Dziurlaj

What visual techniques are employed in this painting?
In this painting the artist used the colour contrast between red and black, vectors, font choice, focal points, symbolism and facial expressions (the lack of).
How do these visual techniques highlight major thematic elements of holocaust art and literature?
These visual techniques highlight major thematic elements of the holocaust art and literature by using no facial expressions, which emphasizes that in the holocaust, everyone was considered the same and just things, their facial expressions of happy/sad/pain did not matter. Also the vectors of the arm and the dripping paint point us towards the focal points of the main person that's coloured in and also the star of David, the Jewish symbol. The name of the artwork "It takes but one" could mean many things but the way i interpreted this was it only takes one person to stand up or to say something to come out of the shadows of the rest of the population to say no, this is wrong, and it might have made a large impact on the Holocaust. The shadow of the population being the other people in the background. Although it could also mean that it only takes one Jew to do something about the Holocaust, yet i'm sure many tried and got killed. The red at the bottom could also mean many things, happy things like love and hope and compassion, but also bad things like hell and blood. The dripping paint shows us the transportation from the dark black crown and the lonely white crowd with the star of David, the dripping black lines are vectors for the star and they draw us to look at the star and the hand. The hand is something i'm not sure for what its doing, it could be a Jewish hand reaching out for that one person of the German side to actually say something and speak up, the hand is reaching for hope and forgiveness which ties in with the red, but it could also be the hand of a Nazi silencing the Jew trying to speak up. The faded font and the messy font secures this idea of it never happened and its fading away like its not going to happen and the hope for the one to do something is slowing dying away.

Holocaust Poetry #3: 'Daniel' by Laura Crist

How is juxtaposition used in this poem to highlight an important theme of Holocaust literature?
Juxtaposition is used at the ending because its a sort of colourful and bright text then the ending is just sharp and brutal. It shows the difference between the nice boy and then death. The theme it highlights is the inhumane and brutality of the Holocaust. This poem symbolises the Holocaust life. The use of taking a long time to describe the boy and taking the majority of the poem to do so really enhances the bond we get between the two, almost like mother and son. Then the quick three last lines it all ends really highlights the juxtaposition.
How is descriptive language used to enhance the reader's reaction to the poem?Descriptive language is used to enhance the reader's reaction to the poem because it brings us into the mothers thoughts and makes us more sympathetic of the mother and how she has to get her child ready for death. It highlights the normality of everyone and the love for people, friends and family. 

Daniel
	Laura Crist

And the child held her hand
A child tiny for almost eight,
Deep blue eyes that dominated his face,
When he explained new events to her,
     that funny doggy,
     that pretty rock,
And the freckles on his cheek,
No one saw a sunrise more perfect,
     to her,
She so vividly smells the fragrance of
     his hair,
     his ears,
     his breath in the morning
She vividly hears that little heartbeat,
     that was hers
     always hers,
     and the laughter,
     that raspy little laugh,
     when he caught her in a conundrum.
All this,
But this is merely the surface,
As she watches her little God sheared,
     and stripped,
For the gas chamber.

Chapter 15: Something He Shouldn't Have Done

(163) Why doesn't Bruno like Kotler? What does he observe and not understand about Kotler when his father is away?
Bruno doesn't like Kotler because he calls him little man and also because Kotler acts like its his house when Father is away. Bruno doesn't understand why Kotler pretends its his house and runs the place when father is away.
(163) What is meant when Kotler uses the cliche 'Don't worry, this one knows which side his bread is buttered on.'?
To be loyal to the person or thing that will benefit you the most
(165) How would you describe the interaction between Kotler and Bruno?
I would describe the interaction to be awkward and one sided, its Kotler asking all the question and Bruno just answering them and not saying anything else.
(166) What surprise does Bruno get?
Bruno is surprised that Shmuel is in his house in his kitchen
(167) How is juxtaposition used when Bruno compares his hand to Shmuel's?
Juxtaposition is used when Bruno compares his hands with Shmuel because Bruno's are lively and full and fat and Shmuels are skeleton like and skinny and horrible.
(168-9) Does Bruno understand the pressure that Shmuel is under?
No not at all, he thinks its a very laid back situation and Shmuel and can to him and eat etc.
(171-2) What dramatic situation unfolds and what is Bruno's reaction?
Kotler walks in to see the two boys talking and he also Kotler starts yelling at Shmuel, Bruno's reaction to this is him just standing there stunned not knowing why its all happening.
(173-4) What does Bruno think of himself because of the way he reacts? How is the major theme 'fear' portrayed in this scene? What does it do to Bruno and Shmuel?
Bruno thinks of himself as a coward and hes ashamed of himself for not standing up for his friend. The major theme fear is portrayed in this scene because Bruno is fearful of Kotler and doesn't want to be in trouble and doesn't know what to do and goes back to them "better him and me" form of mind. What this does to Bruno and Shmuel is have an awkward sort of barrier because Shmuel knows that Bruno will not stick up for him even though he forgives Bruno later on.
(175) What does Bruno say that prompts Shmuel to offer his hand in friendship? How is this symbolic?
He says hes sorry again and again and the last times he says it he refers to Shmuel as his friend and says he's ashamed of himself. This is symbolic because its the first time they've touched and also the first time they've refereed to each other as friends.

Chapter 14: Bruno Tells a Perfectly Reasonable Lie

(150-1) What information do we get that makes the reader start to feel that he is becoming less innocent and more ignorant?
He sneaks out of home and sees Shmuel and when he sees something wrong with Shmuel he assumes he's ok and doesn't ask.
(151-3) What is interesting about the weather and how does it relate to the overall emotion of this stage in the book?
The weather is a rainy and it relates to the overall emotion of this stage of the book because its sad and weary because Pavel has died and Shmuel is injured and its just not a happy time. 
(153) What does Bruno accidentally say to Gretel?
Bruno accidently says that Bruno has a friend, but he covers it up by saying his friend is imaginary.
(154-5) Is Bruno able to consider Gretel's feelings? How do you know?
I not too sure but i think yes he is because hes trying to make her think hes embarrassed and can make her think he is.
(155) What is it that motivates Bruno not to tell Gretel the truth? How does this portray Bruno as being selfish?
What motivates him is the fact that he doesn't want to share Shmuel as a friend and wants Shmuel to himself. This portrays Bruno as being selfish because that is an act of selfishness and it shows he doesn't want his sister to be happy.
(158) What is it that Bruno realises when he starts recounting what Shmuel tells him? Why do you think that this is when he finally starts to realise what Shmuel is experiencing?
Bruno realises that it's sad and must be really hard for Shmuel to tell him. I think that this is when he finally realises what Shmuel is experiencing because its different when you say it yourself and think about it and process it more, Bruno is picturing it more and taking it in more than if he was just hearing it from Shmuel. 
(159) What is ironic and hypocritical about what Gretel tells Bruno regarding imaginary friends?
Whats ironic and hypocritical about Gretel telling Bruno about imaginary friends is that she talks to her dolls which can't talk at all and she pretends that they're talking back to her. Its the same concept.

Chapter 13: The Bottle of Wine

(134) How does the initial paragraph frame Bruno's state of mind?
The initial paragraph shows Bruno has pretty much given up on going back to Berlin and he wont be seeing his friends any time soon.
(136) What does the question Bruno asks Maria show about his development?
The question Bruno asked Maria shows Bruno's development about becoming more aware and more curious about whats actually happening where he is and he's curious about the people, he's thinking about things more.
(137) What is important about Maria's reaction to Bruno's question?
Whats important is that she doesn't want to say anything  about him being a Jew because she doesn't want to feel awkward and she doesn't know if shes allowed so she waits for him to make his question more direct.
(138) Why does Bruno want to tell Shmuel about Pavel? What does this highlight about Bruno's understanding of what is going on?
Bruno wants to tell Shmuel about Pavel because he wants him to know hes a nice man etc also because Maria had just told a secret about him to Bruno. This highlights that Bruno doesn't know whats going on because he thinks there's only a few people over there and every knows everyone and talks to them all - which is untrue.(140) What do the boys argue about? Who does Bruno defend? Who is right/wrong? Why?
The boys argue that there are/aren't and good soldiers. Bruno defends his father by repeating "except my Father". In this argument I think that they're both ride because from Bruno's perspective, he is right and same for Shmuel. Shmuel is on the bad end so of course he's going to think they're all bad. 
(140) Shmuel says 'You don't know what it's like here.' and Bruno reacts by saying 'You don't have any sisters, do you?' He says this to avoid an answer to Shmuel. What does this show about Bruno's understanding of what is happening?
This shows that Bruno still doesn't understand whats happening because he doesn't take those words in and just changes the subject because he thinks Shmuel is just saying that.
(141) What connection do the boys have regarding Lt. Kotler?
The connection the boys have with Lt. Kotler are that they both dislike him.
(142) What has changed in the the way Bruno sees Pavel?
What's changed in the way that Bruno sees Pavel is that he has sympathy for him, and he notices him and can see that he's not happy and actually sees him as a person, unlike Kotler and Father who just think of him as a slave.
(143) What important words are used to describe the way the father eats and addresses Bruno? What makes them important? How do they relate to the scene and the father as a character?
"attacking a leg of lamb" - a vicious motion
"no son of mine" - not giving him respect and using his name
What makes these important is that is gives us more detail about the scene ad ads just that bit more of drama into the scene and suspense. These relate to Father as a character because it continues his mean look and personality and also his to the point nature.
(145) We learn Lt. Kotler's first name - 'Kurt'. What is it about the sounds in his full name that are important? 'Kurt Kotler'
Alliteration is used to make him stand out a bit more and seem even more important. 
(146-7) What do we learn about Kotler's father? What is Bruno's father's reaction/suggestion regarding Kotler's father leaving Germany for Switzerland?
We learn that Kotlers father left Germany at the start of the War and he doesn't talk to Lt. Kotler anymore. Bruno's father reacts in a serious and curious manner regarding why he would leave the "fatherland" in its time of need. He suggests that Kotler's father might have been anti Germany or a Jew. 
(148) What happens to break the tension at the dinner table? What does Kotler do and what are everyone's reactions? What does Bruno decide regarding disagreeing with anyone anymore after seeing what happens to Kotler? What does this relate to historically in regards to the Nazis?
Gretel says she wants to visit Switzerland then Pavel goes to fill up the wine glasses and spills it on Kotler's lap. Kotler yells at Pavel and we assume he kills him or hurts him very badly. Everyone just sits there and doesn't do anything because they are scared. He decided not to disagree with anyone if that's what happens at Out With. This relates to people not speaking up for whats wrong and just staying quiet because "its better off them than me".

Chapter 12: Shmuel Thinks of an Answer to Bruno's Question

(126) How would you compare Shmuel's voice to Bruno's?
I would compare Shmuel's voice to Bruno's as Bruno's being quite posh and proper and then Shmuel's being quiet and sad and not very well spoken.
(128-130) How would you describe the way that Bruno acts and reacts to Shmuel tell his story about coming to the camp?
I think Bruno's acts like its no big deal and its quite fun - which it would'nt be - and he doesn't really react to it at all.
(131) When Bruno and Shmuel talk about chocolate how is Bruno portrayed?
Bruno is portrayed as a snobby rich kid
(132) Do you think that Bruno understands the situation that Shmuel is in?
No not at all
(133) What is ironic about Bruno thinking 'the last think he wanted to do was be unkind to Shmuel'?
This is ironic because Bruno is on the Serman side and its the Germans that put him in the camp.
(133) What is ironic about the statement - 'Bruno was of the opinion that when it came to parents, and especially when it came to sisters, what they didn't know couldn't hurt them.'?What's ironic about this is that they already know more than Bruno and understand everything better.

Chapter 11: The Fury

(118) What does the mother's obsession with her 'list' represent? What does the list distract her from? What do you think about meeting Adolf Hitler?
not sure why
(120) What is ironic when the father says 'The last thing we need is for either of you to start behaving like children.'?
Whats ironic about this is because they are children.
(121) How is juxtaposition used in the introduction of 'The Fury'?
Juxtaposition is used in the introduction of the Fury because of Eva being the opposite of him.
(122) How is the 'Fury's' behavior juxtaposed with everyone else'?
The Furys behavior is juxtaposed to Eva's because he is mean and angry and she is nice and cares about the kids.
(123) Is this a stereotypical representation of Hitler? Why/why not?
Yes it is, is it because this is how he is always portrayed in books/movies.
(124) We are given a very abbreviated discussion between the mother and father. What are they talking about? What are their views on the topic? What effect does showing the parents conversation in this manner rather than the whole conversation?
They are talking about moving to Out With. Mothers view on the topic is that she doesn't want to and Father is the complete opposite and it trying to make Mother think that's its a good idea. It shows Bruno's innocence not know everything about whats going on and it also has the effect of him not wanting to know whats going on.

Evaluating your Partner's Performance

During the conversation you are to take notes on:
TIM BUTLER
- participation
not much participation but he tried when he knew what to say. 
- what questions/answers they ask
he asked 1 question about Bruno and answered a question about irony. 
- do they know what they are talking about
sort of...
- overall what is your impression of their understanding of what is happening in the chapter
i think that his understanding of the book is that they are having a discussion about their lives
Give your partner an HONEST score out of 10 (10 being the best).
6