Ties That Bind, Ties That Break

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

Name 3-4 historical figures who broke with the traditional way in which their gender was perceived. How did their actions influence other people and communities, historically? How did their actions contribute to an understanding of gender now?

Teaching Suggestion: The theme Defying Traditional Gender Roles is developed throughout Namioka’s novel; from a young age, the protagonist Ailin is acutely aware of her gender which, in early 20th-century China, is considered a burden to her family. In order to alleviate this “burden,” Ailin is expected to adhere to cultural traditions including foot binding in order to marry well. Ailin struggles with social expectations throughout the course of the novel, and as she refuses to have her feet bound, she must accept the consequences of her actions. Students might explore other cultural standards that appear in various societies around the world and how these standards relate to gender.

• Educators4SC shares information and resources regarding “Teaching About Gender Stereotypes.” (Teacher-facing; not student-appropriate)
• Asia Society provides a historical background on “Women in Traditional China.”

Short Activity

The majority of Ties That Bind, Ties That Break takes place in China, one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Working in small groups, select one of the historical dynasties in China to research; provide a background of gender norms during this time. Consider women’s roles in this particular time period, as well as the ways in which the themes Defying Traditional Gender Roles, Cultural Misunderstandings and Conflict, Family Life and Social Relationships in China, and Identity and Self-Respect connect with your research. Share your findings with the class, including approved, relevant visuals and/or other artistic mediums in your presentation.

Teaching Suggestion: The first resource below lists different dynasties in history; the second might serve as a starting point for student research.

• PBS provides a list of the “Chronology of Chinese Dynasties” as a starting point for students’ research.
• History provides a condensed timeline of Chinese dynasties, conflicts, and events with brief descriptions.
• This 2000 article from The Journal of International Women’s Studies explores “Women’s Movement and Change of Women’s Status in China.”

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Identity and Self-Respect are common themes in young adult literature. Name 2-3 YA protagonists whose actions contribute to their sense of identity. How is self-respect linked to their actions? Why do you think these concepts are commonly addressed in YA literature?  

Teaching Suggestion:  Reflecting on the theme of Identity and Self-Respect through known protagonists will help readers to connect and empathize more strongly with Ailin. Ailin is faced with a difficult dilemma at a young age: Follow the expected gendered tradition of foot binding or risk the chance of being excluded from a good marriage by refusing to participate in the process. Ultimately, she decides against foot binding; as she grows, she becomes determined not to let social pressures whittle away her headstrong personality and respect for her identity. It might be helpful to compile a list of protagonists whose actions parallel Ailin’s in some way; these characters can be referenced for comparison throughout the reading of the novel.

Differentiation Suggestion: For more advanced classes or groups ready for additional literary analysis, the following question might be helpful in introducing the theme of Cultural Misunderstandings and Conflict: What is an example of a novel or story you have read in which an individual disobeyed or rejected a cultural tradition in order to preserve their own Identity and Self-Respect? Explain.