46 pages 1 hour read

Lisa See

Shanghai Girls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

When considering all the events that affect Pearl’s life, do you think she is trapped by circumstance? Give reasons to support your conclusion. If not, give evidence to argue that she is a free agent.

2.

How does Joy differ from her parents? Why is this so? How much is the result of her youth, upbringing, or personality?

3.

The Chinese zodiac is mentioned at multiple points in the novel. Explain its basic premise. Which characters correspond to their signs? Which don’t?

Related Titles

By Lisa See

SuperSummary Logo
Plot Summary
Lisa See
Guide cover placeholder
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Lisa See
Guide cover image
SuperSummary Logo
Plot Summary
Lisa See
Guide cover placeholder
SuperSummary Logo
Plot Summary
Lisa See
Guide cover placeholder
SuperSummary Logo
Study Guide
Lisa See
Guide cover image