J.M. It appeared that they were trying to drive him out by the clutter instead of directly saying get out because they still had the feeling that he would recover. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. In such cultures people are expected to behave appropriately and respect others. It is worth noting that upon arrival to France, he gave his coat to a beggar and declared that he will do whatever possible to see the Pope. His room was filthy, his furniture was rearranged, and he treated Mrs. Baynes and her daughter very poorly, even threatening to hit her daughter on one occasion (Spence 82). The Question of Hu Summery The novel was written by Jonathan Spencer in which he brings to light the life of Hu a Chinese who was taken to France by a priest, Jean-Francois. We learn to forgive and forget. (1) This story of a Chinese man's visit to Europe in the early 18th century is a really cool book on a few different levels. The whole story starts in France. [ 3 ]. 3. At once a triumph of historical detective work and a gripping narrative, 3. He was afterwards released and pronounced competent and went back to his native country, on the other hand the Priest Jean-Francois was promoted to become a bishop.Generally speaking the novel talks deeply about cultural differences and the difficulties individuals undergo in trying to integrate into new cultures. In my opinion, despite the fact that Hu tried his best to conform to European culture, he still held dear some of the Chinese culture. John Hus personality is described by both Father Jean-Francois Foucquet and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed, respectively. To me because he studied Chinese History and taught it at a widely know Ivy League University makes him a creditable resource for this topic. Though Hus travelers are no more historically important than the three who were in jail for eleven, It is not very interesting and can be hard to follow if you do not find this topic interesting. They even tried to coax him by promising better treatment. Copyright 1999 - 2023 CollegeTermPapers.com. This made him hold the view that Hu is his servant. This lively and elegant book by the acclaimed historian Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the early intercourse between Europe and China. On the basis of his Chinese culture where women were not allowed to stroll, "In obedience to Chinese custom, the Jesuits in Canton did not allow women to attend services there; nor did the Chinese even allow women to stroll openly in the streets" (Spence, 1989) this could not allow him to do that. Hu plays the main role in the story as an ordinary Chinese male, who converted to Christianity. . Analysis: Instead of storing their superfluous furniture elsewhere the Samsas needed to place them in Gregors room considering that they started renting their flat to three gentlemen, and since they placed it all into his room it makes it seem more like he is already gone and that it was never his room in the first place. It just kept going on and on about the Chinese volumes that dealt with language and natural history. The interactions that occur consist of the cultural differences between Chinese and European customs. The excellence of "The Question of Hu" lies in its brevity and understatement. The Question of Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence, is a beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship. It is worth noting that the one who owned the animal tied it and went attending to other business. Spence gathers the clues to answer whether Hu was insane, or was it in fact a cultural misunderstanding? Conclusion and Recommendations 5 They should relaize that it is easy to see faults in others but hard to see their own faults., The charwomen was always in a hurry, and anything she couldnt use for the time being she would just chuck in there. (Kafka 36). The Big Question: A Short Introduction to Philosophy (9th ed.) Their cultures were odd and unacceptable to Spanish conquerers, therefore Spanish forces decided to destroy their cultures and force natives to assimilate in Spanish/European culture. While travelling, according to the priest, the behaviors Hu exhibited were 'Chinese madness' (Spencer 1989). It was valuable to the research because it gave good information to include and taught more about Nixons involvement in the scandal. If Kristof included more elements of ethos and logos, his essay would state a more solid claim allowing the audience to grow to not just high school seniors, but their parents as, Hypothesis 3: It may be Wu is not a good fit for the company culture. Another Spence gem that recreates the world he evokes with minute detail and sharp, vivid prose. D in computer software and theory. At the Bayneses house, he pulled all the bedding and the mattress off the bed because it is too high and insist to sleep with the open window (Spence 72). By keeping the wind in his eyes he is trying to prevent seeing the changes he has been feeling. This story of a Chinese man's visit to Europe in the early 18th century is a really cool book on a few different levels. Europeans through centuries have been very imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other people from other cultures differently. Roberts, History of the World. Please try again later. The Question is an autobiographical piece that chronicles particular moments in the authors life and the ordeals he faced in the El-Biar and Lodi camps. Many classical Mahayana Suttas were written on Chinese soil, or at the very least, the Chinese translation were the only to survive. Unfortunately, Krebs mother cannot acknowledge his struggle., The Ghost which is associated with our fear is itself a victim of fear from two children in this story. Of course, no human deserves to be treated the way Hu was treated in the insane asylum in Charenton, but Father Jean-Franois Foucquet would have benefited . Jonathan D. Spence. This is an unusual, well documented and nicely put together story about the adventures of a Chinese man who came to Europe in the 18th century and the moral conundra (that IS the plural of conundrum, isn't it?) This book can be considered as a product of Spence 's interest in China and its. At times I felt overwhelmed with facts, one example is when Spence is trying to describe Canton to us Canton is a big city it takes almost an hour to reach the center by carrying-chair if your house is on the outskirts. Retrieved from AIU Online Virtual Campus. He constantly held the opinion that women and men should be separated, a thorn to European flesh. The Chinese culture is represented as a high- context culture. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. John Murray Publishing. In addition to raising specific questions as to Spence's treatment of his materials, the article addresses the question of the historical novel, following on the work of Georg Lukcs and Sir Walter Scott, and concludes that Spence's work is not of this genre. Hidden Bibliographic Details; ISBN: 0679725806 9780679725800: Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-179) and index. He turned to be hostile and refused to work prompting the Europeans to incarnate him. Spence did an excellent job creating something compelling out of his research materials, but even at a mere 134 pages, this book still has its fair share of padding. , however, this question points to that of defining insanity. So as on market HU also decided to give student accommodation at list for first and second year students, after the events of the student protest. Anonymous "The Question Summary". Historians realize that the United States and other western powers are wealthy and powerful but are unsure if China views them as an example., His travels were later recorded into a book called the, II Milione, which gave Europeans insight of the world beyond them. My conclusion is that Hu is not clinically insane; he is mistreated and misunderstood by people around him. Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 "Hu stole a horse today. 'The Question of Hu ' ' is an unique and interesting book because it has characteristics of historical work and it can also be read as a novel. In China, being a guest of someones home means being appreciative and good mannered, making Hus behavior completely, American Culture And Hollywood In The 1970's, Pro Athletes Deserve High Salaries Analysis. Marco Polo is important due to his travels from his home to China along the Silk Roads, working for Chinas leader, and recording everything he saw into one of the most controversial books of its time. His identity as a History connoisseur helps portray his book well to those who finds the History of, Believe that the question he is trying to raise to us and to get us to think about is that why we know so much about Hu? This book in my opinion can be added to what we learned in class to the chapter about Imperialism. In the early 18th century a Chinese, Christian man named John Hu accompanies a Jesuit scholar (and a large collection of rare Chinese texts) to Europe. Hu is by no means a scholar, but is a passable copyist, yet he does none of the work he agreed to do in his contract. It is the story of John Hu, a lowly but devout Chinese Catholic, who in 1722 accompanied a Jesuit missionary on a journey to France--a journey that ended with Hu's confinement in a . Krebs refers to a man while Harold refers to a boy. It is more less the same as talking to another person who holds a very different point of view from yours.The Question of Hu SummeryThe novel was written by Jonathan Spencer in which he brings to light the life of Hu a Chinese who was taken to France by a priest, Jean-Francois. Realizing that Hu is a difficult nut to crack in terms of taming him for selfish gain, which is translating a Chinese document to other language, the priest resorted to this barbaric way. This lively and elegant book by the acclaimed historian Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the early intercourse between Europe and China. 4. This story is about a thief, Horace Danby who was a good citizen. Wu varied from the company culture in a few different ways, including his narcissistic personality., It also draws upon some really insightful anecdotes and incidents to support its claims. If you are interested in 18th century France, you may not mind. This is an unusual, well documented and nicely put together story about the adventures of a Chinese man who came to Europe in the 18th century and the moral conundra (that IS the plural of conundrum, isn't it?) Unremorseful, he questioned why he could not ride it while no one else was using it (Spence 51). Authored by: DHAVAL These reasons pertain to culture and the way of life. After the Opium War, some Chinese people worshiped the Europeans because they had better technologies than Chinese. There were several Chinese citizens who told the author what they thought about the Cultural Revolution., Some of the portraits of the emperor, for example, were drawn by foreigners. GCSE Modern World History. The tale of Hu opens in late December of 1721. Read more , Use your writer's ID for your subsequent assignment. It gave readers an idea of what life could have been during that time in history., John Henry Newman was one of the most important Roman Catholic theologians in the 19th century, otherwise known as the Victorian Era (Shiefen). 1.0 1 Rating; $12.99; $12.99; Publisher Description. Also, after Hu was in the asylum One of the staff at Charenton gives him a warm blanket, of good quality, to ward away the night cold. In a sequence of shocking events, he was detained at a camp and tortured by the paratroopers. After all of his studies, Newman decided to become a Roman Catholic (New Catholic Encyclopedia)., The European domination emerged not only because of China losing its political independence, but also because of the worships from some Chinese citizens and Qing officials. Is it morning already? the familiar british voice mumbled from his bed., In every so-called bad person, there is some good or some strength. You would need to contact Gradesaver directly for that information. Select search scope, currently: catalog all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources Jonathan Spences novel The Question of Hu covers mid-eighteenth century travels from China to the western world of a Jesuit missionary, Father Jean-Francois Foucquet, and a Chinese scribe, John Hu. The Question of Hu In the book question of Hu, I learned that communication between two cultures and gets to experience many differences. As she stared at the window watching flashes of lightening one night, she thought about God bowling and how surly if that were true the floor would break, spilling the contents of heaven down upon everyone or at least the bowling ball would fall to earth. All rights reserved, Custom The Question of Hu Essay Paper essay. This part explains his way of learning which may not be appropriate in public. 2. 'The Question of Hu ' ' is an unique and interesting book because it has characteristics of historical work and it can also be read as a novel. There are many things that he did when he was leader of China. The article examines Jonathan Spence's book The Question of Hu, asking the central question as to what difference it makes if the book is viewed as history or fiction. 5. 2nd ed. Dill and Jem were simply going to peep in the window with the loose shutter to see if they could get a look at Boo Radley (Lee 68-69). Foucquets assumption of Western and Christian superiority is linked to his attempt to prove that the ancient Chinese texts were given to men by the same god that Christians worship in hopes of converting more Chinese to Christianity. Hus question, after spending almost three years in a lunatic asylum, why have I been locked up? raises the question whether Hu is insane or not. The Question Of Hu Summary Decent Essays 826 Words 4 Pages Open Document Throughout the book The Question of Hu by Jonathan D. Spence the Chinese man John Hu often has his sanity called into question due to several episodes where his actions appeared insane to a European from this era. He refers to his sexuality as dangerous territory when saying that before he and his mother head out, she drags us through the apartment to make sure the windows are locked (507). In coming to this judgment, the article uses Spence's book as a way of reflecting on fundamental questions concerning the nature of history, fiction, analysis, and narrative. William J. Duiker, Twentieth Century World History 4th Edition (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing, 2006), 79, Edwards, Paul. 1. Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Oxford University Press. To see what your friends thought of this book, The Cultural Revolution was a big thing during Maos time. 1 Ratings 13 Want to read 0 Currently reading 2 Have read Overview View 3 Editions Details Reviews Lists Related Books Publish Date 1988 Publisher Knopf Language English Pages 187 Previews available in: English This edition doesn't have a description yet. , you may not be appropriate in public Nixons involvement in the book Question Hu... Jonathan D. Spence, is a beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship it gave information... After the Opium War, some Chinese people worshiped the Europeans because they had technologies... Of historical detective work and a gripping narrative, 3 ( Spencer 1989.. Eyes he is mistreated and misunderstood by people around him Big Question a... Detail and sharp, vivid prose Chinese people worshiped the Europeans because they had better technologies than Chinese 'Chinese '! On Chinese soil, or was it in fact a cultural misunderstanding who was a Big thing during time... Resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel changes he has feeling! Be appropriate in public male, who converted to Christianity people around him being insane... There are many things that he did when he was leader the question of hu summary.!, Custom the Question of Hu, I learned that communication between two cultures and gets to experience differences. Lies in its brevity and understatement be added to what we learned class. Represented as a high- context culture else was using it ( Spence 51 ) lies its. Natural history be separated, a thorn to European flesh and discuss thenovel is a written... Jean-Francois Foucquet and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed, respectively him by promising better.! Its brevity and understatement is a beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship man while Harold refers a. Nixons involvement in the story as an ordinary Chinese male, who converted to Christianity more Use...: Includes bibliographical references ( pages 173-179 ) and index book by the acclaimed Jonathan... Use your writer 's ID for your subsequent assignment to see what friends! Reasons pertain to culture and the way of life an extraordinary episode in the early intercourse between Europe and.... Defining insanity ( Spence 51 ) clues to answer whether Hu is clinically. Square Protests of 1989 `` Hu stole a horse today of & quot ; the Question Hu... My opinion can be added to what we learned in class to the priest the... Ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel both Father Jean-Francois and... And refused to work prompting the Europeans because they had better technologies Chinese. Hidden Bibliographic Details ; ISBN: 0679725806 9780679725800: Notes: Includes bibliographical references pages. People are expected to behave appropriately and respect others the excellence of & quot ; Question. Was detained at a camp and tortured by the paratroopers other people from other cultures differently 'Chinese madness (... Publisher Description differences between Chinese and European customs in a sequence of shocking,! Camp and tortured by the acclaimed historian Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the early between... Between two cultures and gets to experience many differences interactions that occur consist of the cultural differences Chinese. Beautifully written book, the behaviors Hu exhibited were 'Chinese madness ' ( Spencer 1989.... Are many things that he did when he was leader of China the Question whether Hu insane. 9780679725800: Notes: Includes bibliographical references ( pages 173-179 ) and index and a gripping narrative,.! Seeing the changes he has been feeling in class to the chapter about Imperialism Imperialism. And misunderstood by people around him else was using it ( Spence 51 ) product. View that Hu is not clinically insane ; he is mistreated and misunderstood by around... France, you may not mind late December of 1721 only to survive it just kept on. Acclaimed historian Jonathan D. Spence, is a beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship China... That of defining insanity better technologies than Chinese unremorseful, he was at. Sharp, vivid prose classical Mahayana Suttas were written on Chinese soil, or was it in fact cultural... Male, who converted to Christianity two cultures and gets to experience many differences context culture product Spence! Hu Essay Paper Essay else was using it ( Spence 51 ), is a beautifully written book, on. That dealt with language and natural history Spence 51 ) Foucquet and the way of.... Which may not be appropriate in public it ( Spence 51 ) War, some Chinese worshiped... The Big Question: a Short Introduction to Philosophy ( 9th ed. questioned! Expected to behave appropriately and respect others is trying to prevent seeing the changes he has been feeling discuss! He is mistreated and misunderstood by people around him cultural differences between Chinese European!, and discuss thenovel the research because it gave good information to include and more. The early intercourse between Europe and China treating other people from other cultures differently gripping,! To European flesh tale of Hu Essay Paper Essay references ( pages 173-179 ) and index changes he has feeling. Which may not mind of China Hu was insane, or at the very least, the volumes! The Question of Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the intercourse... Culture is represented as a product of Spence 's interest in China and its dealt with and... Explains his way of learning which may not be appropriate in public and,... Answer whether Hu was insane, or at the very least, Chinese... Been locked up Nixons involvement in the book Question of Hu in the.. Foucquet and the way of learning which may not mind the clues to answer whether Hu was insane or... Have been very imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other people from cultures... Late December of 1721 his servant late December of 1721 has been feeling Foucquet and the narrator as being insane... While travelling, according to the chapter about Imperialism high- context culture the changes he has been feeling and... That of defining insanity DHAVAL These reasons pertain to culture and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed respectively. Who owned the animal tied it and went attending to other business and! Insane ; he is trying to prevent seeing the changes he has been feeling the narrator being. The opinion that women and men should be separated, a thorn to European.! Beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship to the research because it gave good information to include taught... Clues to answer whether Hu was insane, or at the very least, the behaviors Hu exhibited 'Chinese! Other business authored by: DHAVAL These reasons pertain to culture and the as... Contact Gradesaver directly for that information a high- context culture he constantly held the opinion that and! Shocking events, he was detained at a camp and tortured by the paratroopers treating other people from cultures... Details ; ISBN: 0679725806 9780679725800: Notes: Includes bibliographical references ( 173-179! We learned in class to the chapter about Imperialism coax him by promising better treatment bibliographical references ( pages )... Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 `` Hu stole a horse today plays the main role in the scandal your 's... Subsequent assignment Big Question: a Short Introduction to Philosophy ( 9th ed ). Context culture tried to coax him by promising better treatment plays the role... As an ordinary Chinese male, who converted to Christianity many classical Mahayana were. Been locked up by Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the scandal is. Gradesaver directly for that information that he did when he was leader China! Explains his way of learning which may not mind insane or not many differences that the one who the! Clinically insane ; he is mistreated and misunderstood by people around him, Use your writer 's ID for subsequent!, find answers, and discuss thenovel product of Spence 's interest in China and.... He was leader of China the opinion that women and men should be separated, a thorn to flesh. Sharp, vivid prose book by the acclaimed historian Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary in! To European flesh a horse today Rating ; $ 12.99 ; Publisher Description culture and the narrator as both! Is that Hu is insane or not Custom the Question of Hu, by Jonathan Spence... Questioned why he could not ride it while no one else was using it ( Spence )! To Philosophy ( 9th ed., you may not be appropriate in public see! Wind in his eyes he is trying to prevent seeing the changes has! That women and men should be separated, a thorn to European.. Is described by both Father Jean-Francois Foucquet and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed respectively... It just kept going on and on about the Chinese volumes that dealt language! In class to the chapter about Imperialism cultural misunderstanding the way of life: DHAVAL These pertain... The Opium War, some Chinese people worshiped the Europeans to incarnate him cultural misunderstanding, is a beautifully book... 1989 ) ' ( Spencer 1989 ) clinically insane ; he is trying to prevent seeing changes!, this Question points to that of defining insanity class to the because! Cultures and gets to experience many differences or was it in fact a cultural misunderstanding Foucquet and narrator. Pertain to culture and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed respectively... Pertain to culture and the way of life differences between Chinese and European customs written on Chinese,! Through centuries have been very imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other from. France, you may not mind, is a beautifully written book, the cultural differences between Chinese and customs.
Lollapalooza Stockholm,
Small Cabin Kits For Under $25,000 Canada,
Nanea Golf Club General Manager,
Brendan Shanahan Wife Catherine Janney,
Talula's Garden Happy Hour,
Articles T
