Unpacking the Theme of Coping with Pressure in "The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling
The analysis dives into how Chim explores the theme of coping with pressure in her novel, focusing on the protagonist, Anna, and the burdens she faces across various roles in her life. By examining Anna's struggle and eventual lesson on seeking help and support, the interpretation sheds light on the overwhelming nature of fulfilling societal roles.
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The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling Writing analytically
What does analysis mean?
Analysis of a text Breaking down the big ideas, themes and features of the text and forming an interpretation of the author s intentions when producing this text This has been our focus throughout the chapter presentations. By breaking down the overarching patterns across the text, we have been gathering evidence and forming interpretations Now, we need to focus on using this gathered information and channeling it into extended writing
What do you analyse? Characters Setting Plot Language and literary devices Themes, ideas and issues Authorial message
Writing a text response essay or adjusted task (e.g. extended paragraphs) Our upcoming task Based on a topic provided and interpreted by you Written in class under test conditions You have access to your novel You may also refer to a dictionary
Lets practise together I want to plan a paragraph on the idea of coping with pressure. 1. 2. How does Chim explore this theme in her novel? What evidence can I gather? (plot events and quotes) 3. 4. As a reader, what is my interpretation of this? Ask: why did Chim include this in her novel? What is her message here?
The theme of coping with pressure 1. Chim uses this as a constant force weighing on Anna. Across the novel, Anna endures the role of daughter, sister, girlfriend, caregiver for Ma, school student, employee and teenager. 2. Evidence: I will focus on Anna s narrative voice and characterisation. Her various roles in the text. Her interaction with Miss Kennedy: But she doesn t know about everything else. Balancing looking after Ma, working at the Jade Palace and keeping her siblings afloat: The past few weeks have been exhausting . Anna s response to the pressure: Not enough . 3. The readers of the novel understand that Anna is struggling immensely and feels little relief in any aspect of her life. Rory s support offers some solace, but she still places pressure on herself to fulfil the role of caring girlfriend. 4. By putting her protagonist in the face of immense pressure, Chim highlights the overwhelming nature of fulfilling these roles in life. Anna learns to place her struggles on others and not to take on everything in her world so intently. Therefore, Chim is suggesting that seeking help and support from others is paramount.
Plan a paragraph on the theme of supportive relationships. 1. How does Chim explore this theme in her novel? What evidence can I gather? Now, it s your turn 2. 3. 4. As a reader, what is my interpretation of this? Ask: why did Chim include this in her novel? What is her message here? Share your ideas on our Padlet.
What is a perfect paragraph ?
Perfect paragraphs You are aiming to layer ideas and evidence in response to the topic You may approach the topic and its implications from a range of angles Some people find structures such as TEEL helpful. This can be extended to TEEEEEEL to ensure you have a range of ideas and examples in each paragraph.
Features of a perfect paragraph: 1. A clear topic sentence The topic sentence is an argument you form based on the essay topic, containing one of the key ideas or sub-topics that you are discussing. Weak topic sentence: Anna is under a lot of pressure in the novel. Strong topic sentence: Chim s novel explores the immense pressure Anna faces as she navigates multiple roles at once.
Features of a perfect paragraph: 2. A variety of evidence points Show your knowledge of the text by bringing in an array of evidence and examples to support your discussion. This list includes, but is not limited to: character development, plot progression, symbols, context, allusion, imagery and other figurative language devices. A sound paragraph will include two to three well-developed evidence points. A skilled analytical writer may use more evidence, but do it in a careful manner.
Features of a perfect paragraph: 3. Logical progression of your writing Avoiding jumping rapidly between moments of the text. Without retelling, really consider if you have explained the evidence you have introduced and only move on when you are happy that you have made your ideas clear. If you are not sure how your entire piece of writing will develop around a structure, it really shows on the page. Take the time to plan your ideas so that you don t end up lost and confused.
Features of a perfect paragraph: 4. Using expressive, sophisticated language (this should not mean that your teacher needs a dictionary for every second word) Tips for language: Use synonyms for the key words in the essay topic. If you find yourself repeating the same sentence stem, time and time again, change it (a really common one is: Quote . This shows that ). Build word banks from our detailed study. Create lists of adjectives, traits, etc. for the characters and themes. Practising writing ahead of time will help you uncover areas of improvement for your writing.
The retelling problem: Instead of feeling like you have to explain everything, you should instead ask yourself: why did the author include this? So, you want to talk about Baba s progression throughout the novel You may be tempted to write about the key moments in great detail to show how much you know. Instead, take one or two key quotes/moments and write about them briefly, but spend the majority of your writing discussing a key idea/message instead of just writing about Baba. The next slide may be helpful if you fall into this trap often.
Compare the pair Chim initially characterises Baba as a stilted and formal man who remains detached from his family, but as the novel progresses, he learns what is important and valuable in life and he chooses his family over the business. From the outset, The Jade Palace is an escape for Baba, a setting where he can forget about the turmoil of his home and instead enjoy his passion of food. At the climactic turning point of the novel (Ma s psychotic episode), Baba sees her worsening condition first-hand and, after hearing from professionals about her illness, makes the decision to change his priorities and take care of [his] family . Chim s shift in Baba s characterisation highlights the importance of supporting your loved ones and prioritising relationships over doing numbers and working round the clock . Baba grows a lot in the novel. At the start of the story he is distant from Anna and the rest of the family as he spends most of his time at the restaurant. Baba doesn t understand Ma s condition and thinks she needs a hobby . He is forced to face the reality of the situation when Ma has her psychotic episode at The Jade Palace, and he learns to be more understanding of her situation.
Sentence stems and expression tools for analytical writing
Topic sentences Clarity and control are significant factors when writing topic sentences. You want to get your ideas across clearly and with precise words. Some ideas: The novel explores [theme/idea] as a Chim conveys the notion of to show her reader [Theme/idea/character] presents the importance of By shaping the novel around [theme/idea], Chim attempts to highlight
Topic sentence examples Let s use the essay topic below: The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling shows that mental health should be a concern for all members of a community. Do you agree? Weak topic sentence: Mental health is a concern for everyone. It uses the same wording of the topic, it doesn t establish a clear argument. Strong topic sentence:Chim s novel exposes misconceptions around mental health to encourage the importance of societal education about mental illness. Strong topic sentence: The novel shows that change and progress in mental health can only occur once a whole family is equally invested. These sentences show a clear awareness of the text and set up an argument in response to the topic
How to introduce evidence (+ the when hack) We are always avoiding re-telling, so think about sentence stems that encourage this. When[character] says [quote] it presents the idea of [Character name] s characterisation of [evidence/quote] shows the reader that Whenthe setting is described as [quote], the reader understands that [Quote] suggests that The writer uses [evidence/literary devices] to highlight By using [literary devices] throughout her novel, Chim creates an atmosphere of Through the use of [evidence] the author establishes The author reveals [idea/theme], through the use of [evidence/literary device] Create a sense of causality: when Chim writes [evidence], the reader understands [idea].
How to embed quotations into your writing A strong writer will weave quotations into their own words to create a fluent and enjoyable flow. I want to embed this quotation from Rory on page 158: I m just taking it day by day. Here are some examples of how I can do this: Chim establishes mental illness as an ongoing and evolving issue that individuals have to cope with day by day . Rory is fragile as he deals with his own mental health struggles by taking it day by day . Anna learns from Rory that mental health is not a simple matter and that people cannot get suddenly better ; it is a process that involves taking it day by day .
How to embed quotations into your writing You can change the tense/narrative perspective or add a word into quotes to make them fit. You must always remember to use square brackets when doing so ( [change] ) Here is an example: Original quote: I fall into careful step beside my mother, trying to find the right words to speak, what to tell her, what to check, like I m following a sequence to defuse a bomb . Adjusted to fit into my sentence: The Chiu family learns to conceal Ma s erratic behaviour. After Ma s visit to Michael s primary school [Anna follows] a sequence to defuse a bomb . Anna has to find the right words to speak in fear that she will upset her Ma and cause further conflict. Chim creates a tense atmosphere in Anna s narrative voice as she compares her mother to a bomb that requires a careful approach.
Questions to ask yourself when embedding quotations 1. Does the quote blend into my sentence? 2. Does my sentence still make sense with the quote inserted into it? 3. Is it too convoluted for my readers to understand? 4. Did I maintain correct grammar and tense?
Transition stems A strong paragraph will use two or three strong evidence points to support the discussion. Use the following to move between your evidence: The idea that [idea] is also shown through Furthermore Additionally On the other hand Moreover Likewise In the same manner As well as Whereas In the same way Alternatively
Progressing discussion by showing awareness of the author s intentions Analytical writing that centres around the author s intentions is important. Don t be afraid to use Chim s name regularly, as it encourages you to stay in an analytical mindset. Chim examines [the importance of supportive family structures, the restrictive roles placed upon an individual, etc.] Chim portrays [character name] as [characteristic/trait/value] [explanation and evidence] Chim criticises [narrow minded perspectives, race or gender-based discrimination, etc.] Here are some more (keep adding): supports, discourages, expands, conveys, highlights, explores, displays, represents
Always come back to the topic A strong paragraph will finish with a clear wrap-up on an idea and link back to the essay topic. Thus, the novel Therefore, Chim The overarching notion of [theme/idea] shows As a result Through the emphasis upon Chim reiterates that
Writing tips 1. Write in present tense! The author shows the reader 2. Use the author s last name. 3. Embed your quotations and quote accurately. 4. There is such a thing as over-quoting so please ensure your own voice and interpretation are prioritised. 5. Check your spelling, know your common errors. 6. If possible, read aloud when editing. This process makes it really easy to pick up on fluency errors. 7. Don t overcomplicate your writing by going overboard with synonyms. Clarity will always be the most important part of your writing.
