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Northern Shan-tung Province - Fall, China 1899 (Chapter 4)

1. Character Development

Lee Bao, formally known as Little Bao, has become a leader among his brothers and others. Even when his leadership is questioned by Kao-ling regarding Mei Wen place in their group, Hun-tai is quick to defend his brother. Lee Bao sees the potential in Mei Wen, but is aware of his feelings for her and his other brother, Chuan-tai, admiration of her. Lee Bao is disappointed that the village did not come to Mei Wen's aid, but does not focus on that and begins to train them. Lee Bao is fulfilling role as leader.

2. Historical/Cultural Context

Mei Wen recognizes Lee Bao's speech when he is speaking to the men. Lee Bao has been questioning who his god is since he does not recognize him. She recalls the speech from Chin Shih-huang, the first emperor from China. When Lee Bao dreams and goes to Chin Shih-huang, he tells Lee Bao that he built the northern wall of China as long as a dragon, united China as one, and was made the first emperor. Chin Shih-huang was responsible for unifying China and the construction of the Great Wall.

More info: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shihuangdi

3. Symbols

Early in the chapter, the identity of the gods that Lee Bao's brothers take on are revealed. They both take shape of Peach Blossom Tree Gods. When they are sleeping, Hun Tai finds a Peach Blossom trees and insists they take an oath as the brothers did in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Even if Lee Bao isn't a Peach Blossom Tree God, this act unifies the brothers and their commitment to one another. Hun Tai is the oldest of the brothers and it shows an immense amount of respect for Lee Bao to suggest it.

4. Language (visual and verbal)

Lee Bao is beginning to have dreams and says that he feels like he is drowning when he becomes the god. In the dreams, he is taken under water to Chin Shih-huang. Chin Shih-huang tells him that he must unify China against the foreign devils. Lee Bao also struggles with the images of his father being beaten and Red Lantern being killed in these dreams. Lee Bao has to figure of the significance of becoming Chin Shih-huang.

5. Theme

Learning was important for Lee Bao throughout this chapter. He remembered that Red Lantern reminded him that if you desire a woman too strongly, it will cloud your yin (171). Lee Bao enjoyed his time with Mei Wen and was intrigued with her knowledge of history and opera. However, he also noticed that his brother wanted to get close to her as well. Whether Lee Bao was protecting Mei Wen from himself or his brother, he told her to stay when he led his army away. He knew he had stayed too long and let his judgment be clouded. He learned to make the tough decisions, even if they hurt someone.

6. My Thoughts

When Hun Tai took a stance for his brother, it was really touching. Hun Tai believes in his brother and is willing to support him. Chuan Ti is still very distracted and I do not trust him yet. He does not do things for the right reasons and that may cost him.

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