FALLING%20LEAVES:

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FALLING LEAVES A Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese
Daughter

• By Adeline Yen May

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• Adeline Yen Mah
• Born in Tianin, China in 1937 (November 30th???)
• Mother dies of complications from childbirth

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• Adeline Yen Mah (Continued)
• Study in England, received a medical degree, and
  currently lives in California
• Writes memoirs of true childhood as an
  "unwanted" daughter

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CHINA1912 Emperor died and Manchu dynasty
began. Some traditions are thorwn out - move
toward more modern lifestyle begins.1921 the
Chinese Communist party forms.  Japan occupies
most of China during WWI  

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CHINALate 1940's Nationalists are driven out
the Communists hold most power.  Mao, the
communist leaster brings advancements to China
(economy, etc) but also threatens all those who
disagree with him  

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CHINA1979 Mao dies fear for one's life
dissipates, but China remains communist. 

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Family Structure Strong desire for male
sons. Women unlikely to inherit, seen as
financial burdens, etc. Man may remarry women
cannot.   If wife (big) does not provide sons,
concubines used (little wives)

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Ideal females are... Quiet / submissive
Dainty (note foot bindings) Reflections of
Western beauty (light skin, hair, eyes, etc.)

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Literary TermIDIOMCommon expression means
something other than literal meaning of
individual wordsex He worked his tail off.

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