Explorations of the Text
1. Notice the author's choice of word for "cauldron" in line 4. What images or connections does this word evoke? Why might the author have chosen "cauldron" rather than "pot"?
Often instantly related to witches and their brew, "cauldron" is chosen probably because the persona thought a 'Turtle Soup' is something of the sort, a superstitious brew. A turtle's shell could be used in Chinese medicine for strength, health and longevity of life. Since this poem is speaking on the cultural differences of Chinese Americans and the Chinese cultured (the mother), we can analyse the built of the "cauldron", especially a Chinese one. A "cauldron" is usually made of heavy metal or material, of a steady and stable built. This could be related to the emotions of the persona's mother, who broke into tears, "sobbing...inconsolable", at their 'discussion' of their culture in China and in America.
2. Chin refers to "the Wei", "the Yellow," and "the Yangtze." Why does she reference these rivers in China? Why not include the Nile, the Amazon or the Mississippi?
"the Wei", "the Yellow," and "the Yangtze." are the great rivers of China where civilization started (their source of water and food). These rivers shows her roots and her feeling towards it. Although the persona is now in "Pasadena", America, yet her roots are still Chinese. Other rivers like the Nile, the Amazon or the Mississippi would not have relevance to the message she's trying to show which is the sacrifice of an immigrant.
3. What is the tone of this poem?
This poem hints tones of regret and poignancy where the persona probably feels regretful having to forget the rich cultures of China to adapt and be accepted in the free state of America. China has one of the longest histories and richest cultures while America is a relatively newer and younger nation.
Ideas for Writing
1. "Sometimes you're the life, sometimes the sacrifice." Write about this quote within the context of an immigrant family. What might a family gain or lose by moving to a new land?
This quote could be referring to a few things. Firstly,
culture. As an ancient civilization, the Chinese have lots of traditions and
cultures passed down. Some that stayed intact, some that morphed with time, to
not to be forgotten by the younger generations. A community lives because of
culture. Culture is what makes people alive, and unique. So, with regards to
above, the quote is showing how culture is what makes the Chinese people
Chinese. In the Turtle Soup, the persona, as a migrant, is made alive because of
her Chinese culture, yet being an immigrant in America, she couldn’t possibly
keep all the cultures. For example, a turtle is a near extinct and exotic
animal. To use it as food or medicine couldn’t possibly be well accepted among
the Americans. Making a dish out of a reptile would only be in their
nightmares. Also, the “liver” isn’t a common and well accepted food outside of
Asia. The Chinese eats lots of things because of their long history and culture
but for the Americans, the only “liver” they take would be Foie gras.
Next, the quote could be referring to her mother, who was “sobbing”
at their probable discussion of dropping the Chinese cultures. Her mother was
the one who gave her “life”, bringing her up and caring for her, yet, now the
family has moved to America, the persona probably reprimanded her mother to
drop the Chinese cultures and habits. The line “(who knows what else is in that
cauldron).” shows the persona’s skepticism and cynicism towards her mother’s
old fashioned ways. Her mother’s effort of “Twelve hours” being “hunched”
boiling the soup wasn’t appreciated. Not only that, the mother was criticized for
being ancient cultured suggested in the lines of stanza two where the persona
used references of the great rivers of China and how the turtle might have
lived for “four thousand years”, witnessed and lived through the “Bronze age” to
the “High Tang”. The persona’s exaggeration also shows how much she disapproves
of her mother’s old way of thinking and cultures.
"Sometimes you're the life, sometimes the
sacrifice." The quote is mostly exploring how immigrants always have to
leave their cultures no matter how interesting or rich it is. The immigrants
have to blend in, in the ways of their speaking, walking and living to be
accepted in a foreign country. With the distinctive differences in physical features,
immigrants shouldn’t and couldn’t afford to attract any more attention to
themselves in fear of racial conflicts and issues, especially in their early
years of change.
Members:
Lim Jia Hui
Agnes Lee
Khairil
Atikah
Aida Juliana
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