Question

Write a paragraph-long literary analysis in which you choose a character from one of the readings in this unit and analyze the person's characteristics. Consider the character's important character traits and whether the he/she changes over the course of the story. Include at least two pieces of textual evidence. (Answer in 5-8 sentences.)

Here are some stories and characters for you to choose from:
From Emperor to Citizen- Aisin-Gioro P'u Yi
The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband- Mr. Short, Mrs. Tall, or the tailor's wife
Saboteur- Mr. Chiu
Cranes- Song-sam
A Way of Talking- Rose

Answer 1

In the short story "Saboteur," Mr. Chiu is the main character and protagonist. He is a university professor who finds himself arrested and falsely accused of sabotaging a public restroom. Despite his innocence, Mr. Chiu is subjected to brutal police treatment while in custody. One of his important character traits is his resilience in the face of injustice. He maintains his dignity and refuses to confess to a crime he didn't commit, even when faced with torture. However, during his imprisonment, his anger and frustration lead to a darker side of his personality emerging. This change is evident in his thoughts: "If they were on fire, he wouldn't give them his urine to put it out." Overall, Mr. Chiu's character is a complex portrayal of how a good person's actions can be influenced by the corrupt nature of a society.