Submitted by Tina L. Thomen
SLM: 521: Telecommunications &
The Internet
Fall 2005 – Updated9/29/05
Web Drop-in #1
Introduction: In our next unit of study, we will be reading The Joy Luck Club, a novel written in1989 by Amy Tan. Through the art of her storytelling, this
author weaves together stories that connect Chinese and American cultures across
generations. Because this novel explores
the journeys and conflicts of four different mothers and daughters, we first
need to understand how Tan’s own experiences influenced her writings.
Information:
To better understand Amy Tan’s
background, we will be reading an online interview conducted by the
Activity: By clicking on Amy Tan’s
picture or the “Meet Amy Tan” link above, read the interview. As you read through her responses, complete
the following activities on the printed version of this handout:
Amy Tan
and her parents often disagreed on topics such as what book to read or what
career to pursue. Write a short
paragraph to analyze one example of when your parents’ expectations either
helped or hindered you.
How have Amy
Tan’s personal experiences enhanced her abilities as a storyteller?
What
gifts did Amy Tan and her mother give to one another? How might these same gifts between
generations benefit other families such as yours?
Amy Tan
advises young people to “develop your own philosophy.” Write one paragraph to analyze how your own
philosophy compares or contrasts with Amy Tan’s beliefs.
I hope
you enjoyed your conversation with Amy Tan!