In the Shadow of the Cypress

By Thomas Steinbeck
(Thorndike Press, Hardcover, Large Print, 9781410426956, 371pp.)

Publication Date: July 2010

Other Editions of This Title: Hardcover, Paperback, Compact Disc, Compact Disc, MP3 CD, MP3 CD

Categories: Historical - General

Conversation Starters from ReadingGroupChoices.com

Which narrative style did you feel was most effective in relaying themystery of the jade artifacts: Doctor Gilbert's first person journal entries or the third person Dr. Lao-Hung and Luke's stories are told in?

When considering the events he observed on the day of the earthquake, Doctor Gilbert reports that he has "been plagued with the nagging suspicion that the Chinese knew what was about to happen long before it occurred, and trusted their safety afloat better than they did ashore" (43). How does this statement portray Chinese culture? Why do they consider the sea a safer place than the land? Discuss the bigger concept of the Chinese community being insular and trusting themselves rather than each other. Is the white community the same way?
Doctor Lao-Hong finds himself in a difficult position: to the Americans he appears too Chinese; to the Chinese he is too American. What does this say about early 20th century Chinese-American relations? How has this changed in the past hundred years?
"The Chinese Empire had only one all-powerful enemy in the world, and it was the Chinese themselves" (77). Do you agree? Do you think that this problem is unique to Chinese culture? Why or why not?
Thomas Paine's Common Sense was an American Revolution pamphlet arguing that Britain's rule over the United States was a mistake. Included in Paine's argument was the idea that America was not simply a 'British' nation; it was composed of people from all over Europe. Why did Steinbeck choose to include this particular piece of literature? How does this apply to any resistance that might have occurred as a result of the jade artifacts? Can Paine's point be stretched globally?
Discuss the elaborately detailed fishing scene. How is Doctor Lao-Hung changed by this experience? Does it affect his decision to help the fishing community?
Yung Lee appears to simply be a generous hostess; however, later we find out that she is deeply involved and influential in the community. How can this be seen as an allegory to the Chinese role in the Californian community?
One of the proverbs Steinbeck includes is: "Wisdom is not a birthright it is a treasured inheritance" (131). Earlier, Doctor Lao-Hung observes that, "There were men and women in this very fleet who could proudly name ancestors who served under great imperial admirals" (102). Do you agree that wisdom can be passed down? Is there evidence of this in the novel?
On the saucer given to Doctor Lao-Hung in gratitude for his assistance it reads: "Mankind poses questions for which there are no answers. Without devotion chaos ensues" (120). How could this proverb help Luke reconcile the fact that he is unsuccessful in uncovering the artifacts?
Doctor Gilbert and Luke both insist on bringing the truth to light while Doctor Lao-Hung and the fishing community work ardently to rebury it. Which side are you on? How does Steinbeck balance the importance of historical truth with protecting an ancient heritage?
Luke argues that "pure science" rises above any cultural or racial bias. Do you agree? Discuss some contemporary examples that support or refute this argument.
In the conclusion of the novel, Robert eventually follows tradition and joins the family business; however, he chooses to marry a Vietnamese woman. What does this say about the evolution of this tight-knit Chinese family? Has Robert done what Doctor Lao-Hung was unable to and bridged the gap?

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