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the invisible red string by quen law Key Terms: characters in the story ju lin is a girl , ju lin mom and dad, moi yun old matchmaking matchmaker lady ,madam yuen and madam yuen son master yuen, in the story ju lin parents are poor and have to sell ju-lin to moi yun who takes care of ju lin and ju lin has to help moi yun because she is old and moi yun teaches ju-lin how to matchmaker and it goes good unit madam yuen has a problem her son has turned down every wife she has given him

Literary Text: an imaginative work of fiction, such as a novel, play, story, or poem.
Universal Theme- a big idea that is characteristic of all humans across cultures, history, and places.
Examples of universal themes:
*Hero’s Journey- the main character faces many challenges/obstacles while on their quest
*Coming-of-age/loss of innocence- the main character matures from childhood to adulthood, usually by overcoming obstacles.
*Hero’s Fall- the main character loses everything over the course of the story
*Good versus Evil
*Renewal / Rebirth
Traditional Stories include myths (from ancient Greek, Egyptian and Norse cultures), legends (King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Paul Bunyan) and fairy tales (Cinderella, The Frog Prince, Pinocchio).

Narrative Structure: is the way that an author tells a story. An author has many structures to choose form when writing a story, including the following:
*Linear- which tells events in chronological order, that moves forward in the order in which the events occurred;
*Nonlinear- events occur out of chronological order, may start in the end or the middle of the story and then go backward or forward in time.
*Parallel structure- multiple storylines come together. The story moves back and forth between different settings, with characters who may or may not meet.
*Circular Structure- a narrative structure in which a story ends where it begins.

Terms related to structure:
*Cliffhanger- an ending to a chapter or story in which the reader is left wondering what will happen next.
*Flashback- an event in a story that happened before that point in the story
*Backstory- a portion of the narrative that explains the history leading up to the main part of the narrative

4. Character Types:
Hero- main character who faces challenges while on a quest
Mentor- hero’s teacher who teachers valuable lessons/skills
Mother Figure- maternal or nurturing character who matures in the story
Trickster- a character who plays tricks on or tries to cheat other characters
Villain- character or force who opposes the hero

1 answer

Based on your summary and key terms related to "The Invisible Red String" by Quen Law, here is an analysis that ties together the characters, narrative structure, and broader themes present in the story:

Key Characters:

  1. Ju Lin: The protagonist, a young girl who faces significant challenges due to her family's poverty. Her journey may represent themes of sacrifice, growth, and destiny as she learns the art of matchmaking from Moi Yun.

  2. Ju Lin's Parents: They represent the societal pressures and economic struggles of their time, driving the plot by selling Ju Lin to Moi Yun out of necessity.

  3. Moi Yun: The old matchmaker who acts as a mentor figure to Ju Lin. She teaches her valuable lessons about her craft, but also represents the traditions and complexities of matchmaking in their culture.

  4. Madam Yuen: A character representing societal expectations regarding marriage and familial duty. Her frustrations with her son highlight the pressures of arranged marriages.

  5. Master Yuen: Madam Yuen’s son whose rejection of potential wives causes conflict and drives the narrative forward, ultimately affecting Ju Lin's life and development.

Narrative Structure:

  • Linear Structure: The story likely unfolds in a chronological order, detailing Ju Lin's journey as she learns from Moi Yun and faces various challenges related to her family and the matchmaking business.

  • Flashback: There may be moments where Ju Lin reflects on her past to understand her current situation or to inform her decisions as a matchmaker.

  • Backstory: The history of Ju Lin’s family and their economic struggles likely provide context and depth to her situation and motivations.

Universal Themes:

  1. Coming-of-age/Loss of Innocence: Ju Lin matures throughout the story as she navigates her role as a matchmaker and learns the realities of life beyond her childhood innocence.

  2. Good versus Evil: The tension could arise from the societal expectations represented by Madam Yuen and her son versus Ju Lin's desires and the moral complexities of her matching decisions.

  3. Hero’s Journey: Ju Lin embarks on a quest for identity and purpose despite the obstacles posed by her family’s financial situation and the traditional matchmaking pressures she faces.

  4. Mentorship and Renewal: Through her relationship with Moi Yun, Ju Lin experiences renewal as she gains knowledge and skills, possibly leading to a rebirth of her own identity and aspirations.

Character Types:

  • Hero: Ju Lin is the hero of the story as she navigates challenges related to her family's poverty and the expectations placed on her.

  • Mentor: Moi Yun serves as Ju Lin’s mentor, guiding her through the intricacies of matchmaking and teaching her valuable life lessons.

  • Mother Figure: Moi Yun also embodies a nurturing role, caring for Ju Lin and providing support as she grows.

  • Villain: The societal expectations and pressures, particularly as represented by Madam Yuen, may act as antagonistic forces in the story.

Conclusion:

"The Invisible Red String" by Quen Law uses its characters and narrative structure to explore profound universal themes such as growth, the challenges of cultural expectations, and the intricate dance of tradition versus personal desire. Ju Lin's journey from a poor girl sold into a matchmaking role to a figure who learns, adapts, and potentially challenges those very traditions exemplifies a rich tapestry of human experience that resonates across cultures and contexts.