The Magic Fish

How are fairytales a way of communicating for Hiền and Tiền? What does each story symbolize and how does it relate to what is happening in their larger narrative?

What do Mrs. Flynn and Father Niles represent as characters? What might they be reflecting about society during this time? How is Hiền’s decision to accept Tiền a response to this?

Why is the historical and authorial context important to understanding this novel? Write an essay in which you incorporate historical information to support your argument.