44 pages • 1 hour read
Amy TanThe Valley of Amazement
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
The story takes place in both San Francisco and Shanghai. Discuss some of the differences between Eastern and Western culture that the novel explores.
Give examples of how flowers in general and violets in particular are used symbolically throughout The Valley of Amazement.
Explain both the literal and the symbolic meaning of the title, The Valley of Amazement.
How is written communication used to advance the plot? Who uses it most, and why?
Sexual exploitation is prominent in the novel. This exploitation is practiced by both men and women. Give examples using characters of each gender that illustrate this theme.
In Lulu’s narrative, she speaks about the need to live as her true self. What does she mean? How does she go about fulfilling this ideal?
The Valley of Amazement is populated by counterfeit artists. Think of several characters who fit this description and discuss them.
Compare Lulu’s search for love with Violet’s. How do they differ? How are they similar?
How is poetry used as a plot device in the novel?
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By Amy Tan
