Gods of Jade and Shadow Discussion

Write an Essay

read Gods of Jade and Shadow, and watch the films Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Using ALL three of the assigned works–Gods of Jade and Shadow, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon–identify, analyze, and explain the significance of a thematic connection between all three texts.

What are the authors saying about the theme, and how is it demonstrated in the text? What can we take away from this?

This assignment is designed to push you beyond the work you completed for your previous essay in which you identified and explained your observations. In this assignment, you’re expected to analyze and develop an argument about ONE of the suggested themes listed below or one you’ve discussed with me. Consider and explain why your observations and analysis are important to us–your readers–and the academic conversation. What can we gain from your analysis? Be prepared to dig deep to find and share the treasure you’ve gained from your intellectual investigation of the texts. This should be woven throughout the essay and not addressed merely in the conclusion.

YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE ONE QUOTE FROM EACH OF THE THREE SOURCES (GODS OF JADE AND SHADOW, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) FOR A TOTAL OF THREE QUOTES IN EACH BODY PARAGRAPH.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• Without limiting yourself to the main characters, how do three of the characters from the various texts forge their own paths to become heroes?
• What role does patan play in helping or hindering the success of the hero?
• Does rebellion help or hurt the success of the hero?
• What roles do mentors (or family) play in the development of the hero?
• How does forgiveness allow the characters to reach their full potential?
• How do the obstacles in the stories help the characters to transform or become more than they thought they were capable of?