Dragonwings Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. How would Dragonwings be different if it was told through Windrider's point of view? How about Uncle Bright Star's point of view? How about Robin's? Mother's?
  2. Chinese (American) people are sometimes assumed to work in laundromats, belong to gangs, and smoke opium. How does Yep's incorporation of these things in the story negotiate these stereotypes and sometimes realities? How are stereotypes reinforced? How are they undermined?
  3. In Chapter 12, Windrider decides that he cannot pursue both his dream of family and flying. Do you agree with this? Does one dream always come at the sacrifice of another dream? Is there a way to pursue multiple dreams?
  4. How would your reading experience be different if Yep had not included an afterword?
  5. Moon Shadow briefly explains that there are not many female Tang people in San Francisco because of American laws and financial matters restricting the immigration of Chinese women. What do you make of the gender and race that Yep chooses for each character? What if, for example, Miss Whitlaw were not an older demon lady but a young demon man?