Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Chunyu Bai's primary motivation for moving from Shanghai to Hong Kong?
What was Chunyu Bai's primary motivation for moving from Shanghai to Hong Kong?
- A desire to experience a new culture and lifestyle in a bustling city.
- The escalating war situation and currency instability north of the Yangtze River. (correct)
- Job opportunities in Hong Kong's rapidly growing economy.
- The warmer climate in Hong Kong compared to Shanghai during winter.
Ah Xing's aunt's living situation in the old building highlights which aspect of Hong Kong's development?
Ah Xing's aunt's living situation in the old building highlights which aspect of Hong Kong's development?
- The government's initiative to renovate old buildings for public housing.
- The pressure of urban development and rising property values on older structures. (correct)
- The preservation of historical buildings amidst rapid modernization.
- The increasing affordability of pre-war buildings for long-term residents.
When Chunyu Bai encounters the woman resembling 'Pretty' after many years, what is the most significant change he observes in her?
When Chunyu Bai encounters the woman resembling 'Pretty' after many years, what is the most significant change he observes in her?
- Her physical appearance and loss of youthful beauty. (correct)
- Her clothing style and fashion sense.
- Her social status and change in profession.
- Her marital status and family life with children.
Ah Xing's recurring observation of the black dog urinating on the lamp-post primarily serves to emphasize:
Ah Xing's recurring observation of the black dog urinating on the lamp-post primarily serves to emphasize:
Chunyu Bai's memory of speculating in gold in the old building on Nathan Road is directly linked to:
Chunyu Bai's memory of speculating in gold in the old building on Nathan Road is directly linked to:
Ah Xing's reaction to the wedding gown in the shop window can be best interpreted as:
Ah Xing's reaction to the wedding gown in the shop window can be best interpreted as:
Chunyu Bai's impulsive decision to get off the bus in Mongkok primarily signifies:
Chunyu Bai's impulsive decision to get off the bus in Mongkok primarily signifies:
The gold shop robbery witnessed by Ah Xing in Mongkok serves to introduce:
The gold shop robbery witnessed by Ah Xing in Mongkok serves to introduce:
The conversation between the two men discussing the gold shop robbery and Hong Kong's safety reflects a broader societal concern about:
The conversation between the two men discussing the gold shop robbery and Hong Kong's safety reflects a broader societal concern about:
Ah Xing's lottery ticket fantasy, where she envisions buying flats for her parents, reveals:
Ah Xing's lottery ticket fantasy, where she envisions buying flats for her parents, reveals:
Ah Xing's disappointment after the young man with the cigarette ignores her highlights:
Ah Xing's disappointment after the young man with the cigarette ignores her highlights:
The obscene photograph Ah Xing finds primarily serves as a catalyst for:
The obscene photograph Ah Xing finds primarily serves as a catalyst for:
Chunyu Bai's reflections on Shanghai and the war emphasize the theme of:
Chunyu Bai's reflections on Shanghai and the war emphasize the theme of:
Ah Xing kissing her reflection in the mirror after seeing the photograph symbolizes:
Ah Xing kissing her reflection in the mirror after seeing the photograph symbolizes:
The tense exchange between the young man and woman in the restaurant, mentioning 'Fatman' and money, suggests:
The tense exchange between the young man and woman in the restaurant, mentioning 'Fatman' and money, suggests:
Ah Xing's fantasy of becoming a famous singer earning 'ten thousand dollars a month' reflects:
Ah Xing's fantasy of becoming a famous singer earning 'ten thousand dollars a month' reflects:
Chunyu Bai's memories being triggered by smoking and seemingly trivial past events emphasizes:
Chunyu Bai's memories being triggered by smoking and seemingly trivial past events emphasizes:
Ah Xing's brief belief that she sees her own record cover in the shop window illustrates:
Ah Xing's brief belief that she sees her own record cover in the shop window illustrates:
Chunyu Bai observing the car accident and recalling his own past accident primarily serves to:
Chunyu Bai observing the car accident and recalling his own past accident primarily serves to:
The contrasting reactions of Chunyu Bai and Ah Xing to the wedding scene in the movie primarily reveal:
The contrasting reactions of Chunyu Bai and Ah Xing to the wedding scene in the movie primarily reveal:
Flashcards
Why did Refugees flee to Hong Kong in the 1940's?
Why did Refugees flee to Hong Kong in the 1940's?
Refugees fled to Hong Kong due to war and currency crises in mainland China.
What were 'crash-course graduate' buildings?
What were 'crash-course graduate' buildings?
Many buildings were quickly built and of poor quality to accommodate refugees.
What is the 'testing effect'?
What is the 'testing effect'?
Involves prompting learners to actively recall the answer from memory.
What did the Cross Harbour Tunnel connect?
What did the Cross Harbour Tunnel connect?
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What is Mongkok?
What is Mongkok?
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What is Image Association?
What is Image Association?
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What is Anecdotal Learning?
What is Anecdotal Learning?
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What is 'desirable difficulty'?
What is 'desirable difficulty'?
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Study Notes
- "Intersection" is a short story by Liu Yichang, translated by Nancy Li, and set in the 1970s in Hong Kong
Story Themes and Elements
- The story juxtaposes the lives of Chunyu Bai and Ah Xing, contrasting their experiences and perspectives
- It explores themes of memory, change, and the search for happiness in a rapidly evolving city
- It deals with loneliness, longing, and the impact of societal changes on individual lives
Chunyu Bai's Narrative
- Chunyu recalls arriving in Hong Kong from Shanghai over twenty years prior
- He reflects on Hong Kong's population growth and the transformation of the city's landscape
- The stability of the Hong Kong dollar was his main reason for moving to Hong Kong
- He remembers speculating in gold and notes that he lost money in the exchange
- Chunyu recalls "Pretty", a woman he met at a dance hall
- He remembers her kindness and the shirt she gifted him, reflecting on the passage of time
- He notes the changing value of currency and the financial turmoil in Shanghai during the war
- He reflects on the post-war accommodations he was able secure in Hong Kong
- On the bus, Chunyu sees a woman he recognizes but notes she is no longer beautiful
- The passage of time is reflected on, along with their changing relationship status
- Once an avid gold speculator, now he seems more passive, observing the changes around him
- He reminisces about his past in Shanghai contrasting how little is left of the past
- His memories are triggered by the mundane, like advertisements and popular songs
- He reflects on his wedding and other times in his past
Ah Xing's Narrative
- Ah Xing dislikes her street due to the public toilet's odor, highlighting her aspirations for a better life
- She dreams of marriage and a flat in a good location, free from unpleasant surroundings
- She fantasizes about wearing a wedding gown and being beautiful
- She is envious of the manikin and even sees her own reflection smiling back
- She imagines how a manikin would turn into a goddess while wearing a white gown
- She shops for clothes and fantasizes about attracting a boyfriend
- The new outfits are meant to help her find love
- She has never had a boyfriend and hopes the "I LOVE YOU" outfit will
- The thought of a relationship occurs after seeing a wedding gown at the store
- Her dreams focus on material and romantic success
- She envisions herself as a famous singer and actress, admired by many
Intersections and Contrasts
- The narrative follows their paths and internal monologues, offering their unique experiences
- While Chunyu Bai dwells on memories, Ah Xing is forward-looking, dreaming of a better future
- Both characters use art and entertainment as a form of escapism and an expression of longing
Social Commentary
- The story touches upon the refugee experience and the influx of people from mainland China into Hong Kong
- The narrative touches on social issues like housing shortages, the cost of living, and the pursuit of wealth
- It lightly critiques the entertainment industry and the fleeting nature of fame and beauty
Key Symbols
- The Cross Harbour Tunnel symbolizes connection and change
- Gold represents wealth and the instability of the times
- Mirrors reflect vanity and the desire for self-improvement
- The obscene photograph represents a certain stage in her life
Themes
- Memories of the past.
- Change and Progress in Hong Kong
- The search for love and success
- Self-Perception compared to the reality.
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