Chinese zodiacs are an important part of the novel both in their section headings and character descriptions. Choose two characters in the novel and explain how their Chinese zodiac characterizes them. In what way do these characters exemplify their zodiac traits? In which ways do they repel these characteristics? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

Historically speaking, propaganda was an important element in securing the rift between communist China and imperialist America. How does Dreams of Joy work to dispel the popular propaganda of the 1960s? In what ways does the propaganda in the novel alter the Chinese view of America and in what way did the propaganda in the novel alter the American view of China? Be sure to include examples from the text to help strengthen your arguments.

The novel's title, Dreams of Joy, has...