Joy Luck Club

I chose this movie, because I have copies of this book in my classroom, and this novel is actually on the suggested reading in Appendix B on the Common Core Suggested texts for 9th and 10th grade English (my subject). So, I was interested to see the movie and what themes I would be able to use in the classroom. My favorite part of this seminar so far as been learning about the customs and traditions of other cultures, so I really enjoyed viewing this film and learning about the Chinese cultures, and seeing aspects from the seminar in the film. For instance, that confucian notion of respecting your elders was presented throughout the whole movie. My favorite scene, was the wedding scene when she first has to "pay respect to her elders." This was also presented in the dinner scene (I think Clay actually used this example in class) where her American boyfriend takes a huge helping on shrimp before the elders are served. It was a really enjoyable movie.

In terms of relating it to my classroom, I think that I would be able to read this and show parts of it in the classroom. The novel as well of the movie show examples of war, and traditions, which are very rich in Chinese history. So, I think I would be able to have students do further research about what they have read in the novel. Also, it might be fun to have students discuss their own family traditions and customs and "unspoken rules." I'm looking forward to being able to teach this compelling novel next year.