Discussion Questions for Chapters 14-16

Thousand Pieces of Gold

Discussion Questions for chapters 14-16

1. How long has Lalu been in Warrens at the beginning of this section? ______2. How does Lalu justify taking the gold dust from the floor of Hong King’s saloon? ______3. Find the following quote and write the page number and what it is referring to. (explain the quote) “If you still believe that, you’re as much a slave to your own falsehoods as you are to Hong King.” Page: ______Explanation: ______4. How does Jim die? ______5. Why is she only called Polly (not Lalu) from chapter 15 on? ______6. What makes her think that she can not be owned by Hong King? ______7. Why does Charlie tell Lalu she will never be able to buy her freedom? ______8. What is Charlie’s family background like? ______9. Why doesn’t Jim tell her that she will never be able to buy her freedom? ______10. Explain the connection with the birds that Lalu tries to set free and her own life. ______11. In what way does Hong King achieve his retirement? ______12. What happens to the bird at the end of chapter 16? ______13. What does Polly intend to do with the rifle? ______

Discussion Questions for chapters 17-19

1. Who gambles in chapter 17?______2. What are they gambling for? (What are the stakes?) ______3. If Hong King lost, what two major things would he be losing? ______4. Did Charlie plan this game, or was it just a coincidence? Explain your answer. ______5. What is Polly’s initial reaction after the gambling is over? (Why is she angry with Charlie?) ______6. What does Polly intend to own? Why may that not work out for her legally? ______7. What does Charlie promise to do for Polly? ______

1 Thousand Pieces of Gold

8. What did the Anti-Chinese Association do? ______9. Describe the relationship between Bertha and Polly. ______10. How does the dance make Polly feel? ______

11. Write two of your own questions (with answers) for chapter 17. Be sure they are discussion questions, not questions that require a yes/no answer. Question #1: ______Answer #1 ______Question #2: ______Answer #2 ______12. Write two of your own questions (with answers) for chapter 18. Be sure they are discussion questions, not questions that require a yes/no answer. Question #1: ______Answer #1 ______Question #2: ______Answer #2 ______13. Write two of your own questions (with answers) for chapter 19. Be sure they are discussion questions, not questions that require a yes/no answer. Question #1: ______Answer #1 ______Question #2: ______Answer #2 ______

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