Wang Zengqi, "Foods of My Hometown" Literature Essay

What memories does Wang Zengqi describe from his childhood about Parched Rice? Please discuss at least two literary texts he cites related to Parched Rice and what they say about this food item . How do his own memories relate to these literary texts?

How do duck eggs relate to Wang's memories of the Dragon Boat Festival and to the geography of his home region? According to Wang, what famous writers wrote about duck eggs?

How have Wang Zengqi's views on arrowhead changed over time, and what did his teacher Shen Congwen think about arrowhead?

What does Wang say about his own literary writings and how their depiction of food (please give two or more examples)?

What are some of the unique aspects of Wang's hometown, and how has food shaped his identity as a writer?

What memories does Wang have from the years of famine (i.e. "natural calamity") from 1959-61?

How does Wang's style of essay writing and treatment of food compare to other works we have read?

Please upload your 1-2 page response to the above questions to Canvas in a separate Word file, and base your responses on Wang Zengqi, "Foods in My Hometown." Chinese students can also read the original text: Wang Zengqi `` Food in Hometown ''



Optional Bonus 1:



According to Xiao Yao, Why is China “a paradise for a gourmet”?

What does Xiao Yao say about the depiction of food in The Dream of the Red Chamber?

What are Dong Po Pork and Hotpot? What is special about these dishes? (based on Xiao Yao, “China, A Paradise for a Gourmet”)

Optional Bonus 2:



1. According to Zhou Zuoren, what are the differences between the snacks of north and south China. What are some of the snacks that he describes?



2. What do you think of Zhou Zuoren's extensive use of literary allusions in his writing on food? How do you think his style of writing compares to Wang Zengqi and also to his brother Lu Xun?



(based on

Zhou Zuoren, North and South Dim Sum》)