Homesick Chapters 1-4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What did Jean Fitz mean when she said, 'I was on the wrong side of the globe'?

Even though Jean was born and raised in China, she felt that she belonged to America.

What evidence showed that Jean Fitz was a mischievous child?

Jean skipped school, she wouldn't sing the anthem, and she taught Lin Nai-Nai the wrong words to say in English.

How did the British show their prejudice against the Chinese in China?

The British would not let the Chinese walk on the Bund and there was a sign that said, 'No Dogs, No Chinese'.

Why didn't Jean want to sing 'God Save the King' at the British School she attended? How did Jean's father help her solve this problem?

Jean felt that since she was American, she shouldn't sing 'God Save the King'. Her father showed her that 'My Country Tis of Thee' was the same tune. Signup and view all the answers

How did the little Chinese boy in the Mud Flats react toward Jean when he saw her for the first time? What caused him to change his opinion of her?

He called Jean 'foreign devil'. Jean gave him her orange and talked to him kindly about the River god. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jean enjoy her visits to the Hulls' house?

Jean got to play with the children, sleep out on the porch, and learned about Millie. Signup and view all the answers

Although Jean agreed to help David, why did she feel she could not really help him?

Jean didn't think his plan would work, and that he would never be satisfied. Signup and view all the answers

How was Millie's visit a disappointment for Jean on Christmas Day?

Millie was not happy to be around Jean, and she ran away. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Chinese people rioting?

The Chinese people were rioting because foreigners had too much power and wealth, and the Communists were stirring up unrest. Signup and view all the answers

How did the growing revolution change summer plans for the Guttery family?

The Gutterys were unable to go to Peitaiho because it was too far. They went to Kuling instead so that her father could go back and forth to Hankow. Signup and view all the answers

How did the family travel to Kuling?

The family traveled to Kuling by boat and rickshaw by coolies. Signup and view all the answers

What three things did Jean love about Kuling?

Jean loved her new cat, the books, her new room, the picnics, and the scenery. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jean react to the news of the death of her baby sister?

At first Jean was numb and didn't show any emotion, then she became angry. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jean mean when she cried to her father, 'I was counting on her. I needed her.'?

Jean really wanted a sibling so that she would not be so lonely. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the Guttery family at the dock?

Coolies wanted more money from them at the dock, and when Mr. Guttery refused, their boss threatened him with a knife. Signup and view all the answers

What did Yang Sze-Fu's shortened pinky finger nails mean?

The shortened pinky finger nail meant that Yang Sze-Fu had become a Communist. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the siege of Wuchang make the war seem more real to Jean?

Wuchang was where Lin Nai-Nai's family lived, and they were probably suffering from hunger. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jean think that Lin Nai-Nai had nothing to look forward to in the future?

Jean thought that Lin Nai-Nai had nothing to look forward to because she left her husband, her family wouldn't let her return, and the Guttery family was leaving for America. Signup and view all the answers

What two Christmas presents did Jean receive that made her realize it was time to leave China?

Jean received a steamer blanket for her trip and a 'marked-off' calendar for Christmas. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Jean worried about potassium? What did she witness that made her fears groundless?

Jean was worried that Yang Sze-Fu was putting potassium in their food to poison them. She stopped worrying when she saw him give some of his own food to her cat. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jean Fitz and Identity

Jean Fitz identifies as American despite being born and raised in China, expressing feelings of belonging to America.
Mischievous behavior included skipping school, not singing national anthems, and misleading Lin Nai-Nai about English words.

Prejudice and Cultural Tensions

The British exhibited prejudice against Chinese individuals, exemplified by discriminatory signs like "No Dogs, No Chinese".
Jean opposed singing "God Save the King" at her British school, asserting her American identity; her father educated her on an alternative tune.

Childhood Encounters and Friendships

Initial hostility from a Chinese boy, who called her "foreign devil", changed after Jean's act of kindness with an orange.
Visits to the Hull family provided Jean a sense of normalcy and joy through play and connections, particularly with Millie.

Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

Jean felt unable to assist David with his plans, believing they were doomed to fail.
Christmas disappointment arose when Millie, who Jean looked forward to seeing, rejected her and fled.

Riots among the Chinese population stemmed from discontent with foreign influence and the Communist party’s agitation against this power dynamic.
The Guttery family's change in summer plans due to revolution: opted for Kuling over Peitaiho, accommodating their father's work.

Travel and New Experiences

Journey to Kuling involved transportation by boat and coolie-pulled rickshaws, showcasing the family's reliance on local labor.
Jean found joy in Kuling through her new cat, engaging with books, a fresh room, picnics, and beautiful scenery.

Grief and Loss

Jean's reaction to her baby sister's death shifted from numbness to anger, highlighting her emotional turmoil.
Her expressed need for a sibling underscored her loneliness and longing for companionship.

Tension and Threats

Conflict at the dock with coolies demanding higher wages escalated to threats with a knife against Mr. Guttery, illustrating the rising tensions.
Yang Sze-Fu's trimmed pinky nail indicated his allegiance to the Communist cause, marking a personal and political shift.

War and Its Realities

The siege of Wuchang deeply affected Jean, as it was home to Lin Nai-Nai's family, raising fears for their well-being.
Jean believed Lin Nai-Nai faced a bleak future due to familial estrangement and the impending departure of the Guttery family.

Symbolic Gifts and Farewell

Christmas gifts of a steamer blanket and a "marked-off" calendar prompted Jean to confront her impending departure from China.
Initial paranoia over Yang Sze-Fu possibly poisoning their food diminished when she witnessed him sharing his meals with her pet cat, indicating his good intentions.

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Test your knowledge of the first four chapters of 'Homesick' by Jean Fitz. This flashcard quiz covers essential vocabulary and concepts that highlight Jean's experiences between two cultures. Perfect for understanding themes of identity and belonging.