Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Flashcards

Chapter Summaries

• Chapter One: Describes a barren mountain where nothing grows, setting a bleak backdrop.
• Chapter Two: Minli purchases a goldfish, introducing the theme of curiosity and adventure.
• Chapter Three: Minli’s mother, Ma, becomes angry with her for buying the goldfish, highlighting family tensions.
• Chapter Four: Introduction of "The Old Man of the Moon," a significant figure in Minli's quest.
• Chapter Five: Minli frees the goldfish, demonstrating her kindness and connection to the creature.
• Chapter Six: Minli embarks on a journey to find the Old Man of the Moon, marking the start of her adventure.
• Chapter Seven: Ma and Ba (Minli’s parents) begin searching for her, showing their concern.
• Chapter Eight: Minli encounters a dragon, indicating a partnership in her quest.
• Chapter Nine: Ma and Ba argue, reflecting emotional struggles in their family dynamic.
• Chapter Ten: Minli cuts the rope freeing the dragon, symbolizing liberation and teamwork.
• Chapter Eleven: The dragon shares his own story, deepening their bond.
• Chapter Twelve: Ma and Ba learn about the goldfish man, adding layers to the narrative.
• Chapter Thirteen: Minli inquires about the dragon’s age, showcasing her curiosity.
• Chapter Fourteen: Minli plays a prank on the monkeys, presenting her playful side.
• Chapter Fifteen: Introduces "The Story of Happiness," exploring themes of contentment.
• Chapter Sixteen: Minli and the dragon visit the City of Bright Moonlight, expanding their journey.
• Chapter Seventeen: Minli meets Buffalo Boy, introducing new characters and stories.
• Chapter Eighteen: Unveils the story of Buffalo Boy, contributing to Minli's adventures.
• Chapter Nineteen: Minli peeks through a window at Buffalo Boy's friend, hinting at hidden narratives.
• Chapter Twenty: Marks an important development in Minli's journey.
• Chapter Twenty-One: Minli reaches the inner circle and helps the king, emphasizing her bravery.
• Chapter Twenty-Two: Minli follows the king into his palace, suggesting intrigue and discovery.
• Chapter Twenty-Three: The story hints at an unknown part involving the Old Man of the Moon.

Vocabulary Terms

• Disobedient: Characterized by naughtiness or defiance, shown in Minli's actions.
• Manipulation: Refers to careful planning towards an objective, often seen in character interactions.
• Ruefully: A state of regret experienced by characters in moments of reflection.
• Coaxing: Light persuasion used by characters to achieve their goals.
• Famine: A critical theme representing food shortages affecting the narrative.
• Enthralled: Used to describe characters captivated by stories or events.
• Accompanying: The act of going along with others, often seen in Minli’s relationships.
• Sparingly: Indicates the use of limited resources throughout the story.
• Irritation: Reflects the emotional states of characters during conflicts.
• Magistrate: A civil officer representing law and order within the story's community.
• Protest: Expresses disapproval by characters in various situations.
• Engrossed: Describes characters deeply absorbed in stories or events.

Key Stories and Themes

• The Story of the Fruitless Mountain: Demonstrates sacrifices made by jade children for humanity's benefit.
• The Story of the Old Man of the Moon: Introduces a sage capable of answering any question posed to him.
• The Story of the Goldfish Man: Illustrates how hope is delivered to Minli's parents.
• The Story of the Dragon: Details the creative escape of a dragon from a painter's work.
• The Paper of Happiness: Explains the quest for the secret to happiness and the resulting frustration of the magistrate.

Character Development

• Minli: Exhibits growth through her adventures, curiosity, and kindness towards the goldfish and others she meets.
• Ma and Ba: Their relationship reflects challenges and love, showcasing parental concern and conflict throughout the story.
• Dragon: Represents both a companion and a representation of myth as Minli learns his story alongside her own journey.
• Buffalo Boy: Adds depth and charm to the narrative, introducing new challenges and alliances.

These notes provide a detailed overview of the story elements and vocabulary from "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon."