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 but yuen is into girls that can read and write just like ju-lin and want a girl who is educated and love to go on long scholarly walks with 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’s a breakdown of the story's major characters, themes, and narrative structure:

Characters in the Story:

  1. Ju Lin: The protagonist, a young girl whose journey revolves around her family's struggles and her own growth.
  2. Ju Lin's Parents: Poor and unable to support their family, they make the difficult decision to sell Ju Lin to the matchmaker.
  3. Moi Yun: An elderly matchmaker who takes Ju Lin under her wing, teaching her the art of matchmaking while needing her help due to her age.
  4. Madam Yuen: A wealthy woman with a son who has rejected all potential brides, she plays a significant role in Ju Lin's matchmaking journey.
  5. Master Yuen: Madam Yuen’s son, who desires a well-educated and literate girl, ultimately seeking companionship based on shared scholarly interests.

Universal Themes:

  1. Coming-of-age/Loss of Innocence: Ju Lin matures throughout the story, as she faces the realities of her life and the expectations placed on her.
  2. Good versus Evil: The struggles between Ju Lin's desires and societal expectations could illustrate a moral conflict.
  3. Hero’s Journey: Ju Lin's quest for her own identity and happiness amidst the challenges posed by her circumstances.

Narrative Structure:

  1. Linear Structure: The story likely follows a chronological progression, detailing Ju Lin’s experiences from her childhood to her learning under Moi Yun, and her interactions with Madam Yuen and Master Yuen.
  2. Flashbacks: The author may utilize flashbacks to provide context about Ju Lin’s past and her family's struggles.
  3. Backstory: Ju Lin's history and the circumstances leading to her situation with Moi Yun may be covered to give depth to her character.

Character Types:

  1. Hero: Ju Lin is the hero as she navigates her challenges.
  2. Mentor: Moi Yun serves as a mentor figure, imparting knowledge about matchmaking to Ju Lin.
  3. Mother Figure: Ju Lin’s mother may fit the role of a nurturing figure who ultimately makes the sacrifice for her daughter's future.
  4. Villain: Depending on the narrative's angle, societal norms and expectations, represented by characters like Madam Yuen, could embody the antagonist forces against Ju Lin’s desires.

Summary:

"The Invisible Red String" explores themes of love, social expectations, and personal growth within the backdrop of traditional matchmaking practices. Through the relationships between the characters, the story delves into the struggles of finding one's identity in the face of societal pressures, particularly for women in a patriarchal setting. The narrative structure helps convey Ju Lin's journey compellingly, allowing readers to connect deeply with her experiences and challenges.