Author: bmangum

Because the Daodejing is written in poetic form with evocative language, I did find it to be somewhat challenging to translate. Having multiple translations to choose from definitely helped, though, and I found it interesting to compare and contrast and find similarities and differences among the various translations. The Stephen Addiss translation breaks the core… Continue reading Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) Reflection

“The Biography of Yu Jang” recounts the story of an incredibly loyal man named Yu Jang and his determination to bring justice and honor to the earl of Chih, his former master. This short biography emphasizes themes such as loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. Even if it brings him pain and suffering, Yu Jang is set… Continue reading “The Biography of Yu Jang” Reflection

In a previous world history course, we spent a large amount of time studying the various major world belief systems, including several of those practiced in China. Two of these belief systems, Confucianism and Legalism, were discussed in this week’s reading, and I found it interesting to compare the two as a read and note… Continue reading Morris Rossabi, “A History of China” Reflection-Legalism vs. Confucianism

In Ha Jin’s “The Bridegroom,” short story “A Tiger Fighter is Hard to Find” explores the experiences of a Chinese film crew and an actor named Wang Huping who is chosen to fight and kill a tiger on camera. Although Huping is hurt by the tiger, the director continues to give him praise and encourages… Continue reading “A Tiger Fighter Is Hard To Find” Reflection

In Ha Jin’s The Bridegroom, “An Entrepreneur’s Story” explores a man’s experiences and reflections on the way he is treated differently when he is wealthy and has money. The short story’s opening quote “I never thought money could make such a difference” gives the reader a glimpse into the narrator’s realization that his riches cause… Continue reading “An Entrepreneur’s Story” Reflection

“After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town”, a short story found in The Bridegroom by Ha Jin, explores the story of an American fast food restaurant in the Chinese town of Muji City. Told from the perspective of Hongwen, an employee at the Cowboy Chicken restaurant, Jin illuminates the clash of cultures that takes place between… Continue reading “After Cowboy Chicken Came To Town” Reflection