Topic 1

How does Hang change throughout the story? What events were the catalysts for her change?

Topic 2

Why does Hang refuse to honor her aunt’s wishes by living in the ancestral house? Why does she compare the village to a “cesspool”?

Topic 3

How does Hang’s relationship with her mother change? What factors influence this change?

Topic 4

Why does Hang’s mother continue to defend her brother despite all that he has done to destroy her family?

Topic 5

When in Russia, why does Hang continue to help her uncle? What does she learn about her uncle in Russia? Does this change her perspective?