#508 The Death of Woman Wang

Discussion

• What were the consequences for adultery? How does that compare with the way such behavior is treated in the society in which you are most familiar? What are some of the factors that might account for the similarities or differences?
  
  
• Evaluate the system of punishments that appears in the last chapter and Epilogue, in particular its reliance on corporal punishment, public humiliation, and—on particularly severe occasions—death. Is this how you would design a justice system? Why or why not?
  
  
• Return to the question we discussed in our last class: Was Woman Wang a victim? Is Chloe’s suggestion that personal choice separated the experiences of Tou Tingzhang and Woman Peng helpful for making sense of the experience of Woman Wang?

 

• Evaluate the following claim: Magistrate Huang’s decision at the end of the trial appropriately balanced the needs of humanity and justice and was fully in the interest of the community.
  
  
• Which stories stood out to you in the book overall as particularly compelling? Who was your favorite / least favorite character in the book? Why?

Unit V Assessment

Our Unit V assessment will occur during the exam slot on Sun 12/10 2:15-4:15pm in the Library Media Center. The format will be an in-class essay on The Death of Woman Wang. Please bring a charged laptop, your copy of the book, and any notes or other materials that will be helpful.

What question should the unit V assessment (focused on The Death of Woman Wang) pose? Defend your choice of the question—why is it a good way to wrap up the book and our course?