Forbidden City

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. How might the various contexts and experiences of Eastern and Western cultures be compared and contrasted? What differing societal ideals and beliefs might be evident in these regions of the world? In what ways might culture influence perspective?

Teaching Suggestion: Alex moves to China from Canada temporarily after his father is sent to follow a journalistic lead on a potential student protest. Alex quickly learns some of the differences between Eastern and Western cultures while he attends school and lives in China. To help orient students to the main character’s experiences and perspective, consider having students discuss the differences between what is traditionally viewed as Western and Eastern cultures, focusing on independence and interdependence.

• This article describes some of the differences between thinking and values in Eastern and Western societies.
• This article describes how culture affects brain scans and perspective. (Subscription may be needed to view.)

2. What are some examples of human rights? What are among the most important human rights? How do social and cultural norms affect personal freedoms?