1. Describe Lim Han-ci. Is he "loved" by the members of his family? What is his place within Peihotien. How does he view success? What is the role of pride in his life?

What is the custom of "simpua." How did it work within the context of the Lim family? What were the major benefits of the simpua system for the Lim family?

2. How filial was Lim Hue-lieng? What was the lo mua? How did it benefit the Lim family? What was the relationships between Lim Hue-lieng and his "wives?"
3. What kind of person is Gioq-ki? What is the relationship between A-hua and Gioq-ki? What explains this relationship?
4. What are the peoples' attitudes concerning extra-marital affairs? What is the status of children born to these relationships? How do the people in the Lim household regard Lim So-lan and Gioq-ki. How are the adulterous affairs of Lim Hue-lieng, Lim Chieng-cua, Chang Jong-kuei, and Lim A-pou regarded by the people of Peihoten?
5. Why is Lim So-Lan a link without a chain? What does this mean and what is the significance?
6. Compare and contrast the values of A-pou and Chieng-cua? Why are they on a collision course with each other? What are some of the compromises that Chieng-cua makes that attempt to forestall the dividing of the stove? Why don't the Lim's divide the stove?
7. Given the nature of Lim Hue-lieng's personality, why does A-pou become such a loyal Lim? How did A-pou's personality and life change after the death of Lim Han-ci? How are A-pou and Chui-ieng different daughter-in-laws?
8. What is the relationship of Tan A-hong to the Lims? How are prostitutes viewed in Peihoten? Why do women become prostitutes? Why did Tan A-hong reject her daughter's lover? Why is the story of Tan A-hong and her daughter a classic example of the values that underlie the Chinese family?
9. Why did Lim Chieng-cua reject Iu Mui-mue? Was this a good decision and why? Why did he marry Chui-ieng? Was this a good decision and why?
10. What is the relationship between pride and tension in the house of Lim? The Chinese often do not remove the price tag attached to a gift. What was the gift given to the Wolfes' and what was the price?

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