QUIMQUE, BLESSILDA JANE A.

OCTOBER 5, 2022
BLOCK A 7:30 - 9:30 AM EN04
SIR BON OLIB

THE VALLEY OF AMAZEMENT

BY AMY TAN

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What was Lulu's reaction when she found out about the operation? Do you think
her reaction is normal? Why or why not?
- Lulu was horrified to find that a part of her was seen negatively. She was
also so shocked by it that she started looking into which of her numerous
qualities she needed to guard. She was an innocent child who had
undergone an operation without her knowledge, so her reaction was
expected. Anyone would feel violated and bereft of their rights to their
body if other individuals had the authority to alter it in any way.
2. Do you think the parents made a mistake in operating on Lulu's fingers? Why or
why not?
- The operation on Lulu's fingers was done for her welfare, hence her
parents did not err in doing it. They made that choice so Lulu might live a
typical life free from discrimination because she has six fingers on each
hand. The only mistake they made was failing to obtain Lulu's permission
before initiating the procedure. Despite the fact that Lulu was young
when they performed the surgery, they ought to have waited until she
was older and mature enough to comprehend the circumstances. When
she is old enough and has consented, they might have performed the
surgery.
3. What is the narrator's fear?
- She worries that someone might change parts of her without her consent
or knowledge. She worries that others might possess the authority to
control her body. She worries that others may attempt to limit her human
rights and use them to exert control over her. She worries that when she
gets older, she'll have a fearful mindset that will negatively impact her.
4. Why did the narrator dislike the way her mother described reproduction?
- She didn't like it because her mother had implied that she wouldn't exist in
this world without her parents. Her mother made her feel like a helpless
blob that was dependent on them for everything. She left her feeling as
though she was worthless without them. Her mother didn't appear to
believe she was capable of doing anything on her own.
5. What do you think is its effect on the narrator?
- When her mother uttered those things, I believe the narrator was
offended. She has the impression from her mother that she is nothing
without them. Her mother's words hurt. The narrator's actions will be
significantly impacted by it. Her view of her parents will change. She may
have a mindset that allows her to picture herself living independently of
everyone, even her parents.
6. What does it mean, that the narrator wanted to be true to herself?
- When she discovered that she had formerly had an additional finger on
each hand, she wanted to remain true to who she was. She must take
some time to consider if she would have agreed to the procedure if her
parents had just asked or whether she would have been content with her
extra fingers on her own. She is testing whether she agrees with her
parents' choice.
7. Have you ever felt the same way? Why or why not?
- I've experienced the same emotions as the narrator. Each of us has likely
felt the want to reveal our actual selves at some point. We feel free when
we are being genuine to ourselves. Additionally, it puts us in charge of
ourselves rather than allowing others to dominate over us. I think that
being authentic with people would help us embrace who we are rather
than trying to change who we are. People will accept and adore us for
who we are when we can learn to do so. Being honest will come naturally
to us, and we can bring out the best in ourselves. We cannot be genuine
to anyone unless we are true to ourselves, just as we cannot love anyone
else unless we love ourselves.
8. Do you think the narrator is selfish? Why or why not?
- She is not selfish. She simply understands the worth of being a human. She
aspires to be true to herself and to possess her own personal rights. I
believe wanting to take care of one's body is not being selfish. Since it is
her body, the narrator has the option of changing it or not. In either case,
she must accept and cherish her body because that is what distinguishes
her from others.
9. Is the narrator expressing an inherently Asian or American value?
- Since Lulu in the story gave significance to and cared about both her
body and her rights as a human being, the narrator is conveying an Asian
value. She valued her extra fingers and accepted them as a natural part
of her body. She believed that everything was fine. Lulu exhibited an
Asian value since, in contrast to Americans, Asians are recognized for
placing a high value on their bodies. Asians, in my opinion, would fight for
their rights in even the most basic situations. When it is already their body
they are talking about, they would make a huge deal out of it. Asians are
very proud of who they are.
10. Do childhood revelations have lasting impact on one's life?
- Childhood revelations have a long-lasting effect on a person's life. Our
adult selves are shaped by the events of our youth. Years later, the effects
of our first experiences may still be felt. These revelations or experiences
from our childhood act as a bridge between our former selves and our
present selves, which aids in our ability to properly comprehend ourselves.