The Woman Warrior Theme of Contrasting Regions

Kingston's parents immigrated to America from China. Her memoirs explore her search for identity as she tries to navigate the vast differences between the two cultures. Differences in language, traditions, and customs all complicate her search for self. The Woman Warrior moves through the time and space that separates China and the United States, creating an interesting dialogue between the two countries.

1. What does Kingston suggest is the difference between women in China and women in the United States? Is this a difference in how women are expected and pressured to be, and/or in how women actually are? What is the relationship between these two things?
2. How is Brave Orchid's life in America different from her life in China?
3. How does the historical background of Communism in China influence our reading of the book?
4. What is the effect of setting this book in the United States and not China?

Kingston sets the book in a hybrid Chinese and American world to the effect that geographical place is less important than the spatial leaps allowed by storytelling.

Brave Orchid had more independence in China than she does in the United States.