Waiting

Lesson 14
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ELA

Unit 6

11th Grade

Lesson 14 of 30

Objective


Analyze how the author develops the theme of waiting in this chapter.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Waiting by Ha Jin  pp. 97 – 102 — Part One: Chapter 12

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

The main purpose of the first paragraph is to

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Sample Response

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The narrator’s use of the word “impracticability” on p. 99 mainly serves to 

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Describe how the author’s use of dramatic irony develops the theme of waiting in this chapter.

Key Questions


  • As you read this chapter, track who is waiting and why. What impact does this waiting have on the character? Trace both positive and negative impacts.
  • What advice does Haiyan give Manna on p. 97? What do you think of this advice?
  • How does waiting for Lin to talk with her impact Manna on pp. 97–99? How does she react? What do you think of her reaction? How does Lin’s point of view change after seeing Manna’s reaction to his suggestion?
  • What is the impact of the author’s use of the word “impracticability” on p. 99? What does it suggest about Lin’s motivation?
  • What does Manna agree to do on p. 99?
  • Trace the dramatic irony on pp. 100–101. How do you, as the reader, react to Manna’s hopes and her purchase of the quilt covers on p. 100? Why? How are your feelings different than hers? 
  • How does Manna react to Lin’s news when he returns? 
  • On p. 102, what do we learn that the entire hospital has been waiting for? What has been the impact, most likely, on all of the doctors and nurses as they waited? Why did they have to wait?
  • By waiting to pursue Lin’s divorce, what does the couple gain according to the narrator on p. 102? But what do they lose? Is it worth the price? (These questions could serve as discussion questions.)

Notes


  • Ha Jin chose to call his novel Waiting. The word “waiting” appears throughout the novel, including in this chapter. Additionally, the major characters (Manna, Shuyu, Lin) are all, at various times, waiting for things. Pay particular attention to this idea of waiting, and the impact it has on the characters, as you read today.
  • The chapter is short, so leaving time for discussion and writing is recommended. 

Next

Analyze the impact of the setting on the plot of the novel.

Describe how the nature motifs add to the theme and plot development.

Lesson 15
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