In reality, Foucquet is just a man that feels he is behind in life, and wants to return back home to continue his work in his own research office. Hu isn't the top choice, but he's available. His book evokes so many reflections and deep emotions in the reader that it is all one can do not to skip the story line altogether and hunker right down to its implications. Oxford University Press. He likes to live an ordinary life, but this reason who his adventures and journeys, he becomes a child with a problem. Dumped him off. Thich is one of the largest deficiencies in his character.

Yet it is not until Jing Mei realizes that the key to understanding who her, 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. The Encyclopedia of Philosophy Volume 7 & 8. ), 289., [ 2 ]. WebThe question of Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence, is a book on the Chinese and European connection during the early 1700s. When he hears of the news that Foucquet is going to France and needs a copyist he quickly agrees. John Hu is a Chinese man that is literate but not educated. 189). Jonathan Spence has a wonderful aptitude for placing you, the reader, in the front row of historical events.

Last thing that one can infer from the quote is his mothers language barrier. Harrison also explores the negative impact of modernization on rural areas by recounting the economic and. Described in the essay are people standing around in bath robes and under garments and popping in and out of rooms like some sort of clown. The venture is misbegotten. To help with the endless task of copying manuscripts, Foucquet badly, and quickly, needs a Chinese secretary. The life of John Hu is not really that interesting. I'm not, so the superfluous bits seemed all the more irritating. WebThe Question of Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence, is a beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship. Although Jin Wang takes the form of Danny to reject his Chinese roots, the embarrassment of Chin-Knee shows he cannot hide behind a false American identity, thereby delineating that race is the source of his problem. 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 lunatic asylum. She always speak Chinese to Jack, in the quote his mother uses Chinese word such as Sha jio chink?. WebJonathan 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. Ah Goong worked to build the railroad, but was driven out when it was completed in 1869; he then became a homeless wanderer in San Francisco. They all have the problem of fitting into their new environments. Although he says he wishes to go home, he has to be forced aboard the boat carriage, and boat, to return to China. Simon and Schuster MacMillan, 1996., Walsh, B. WebThe Question Of Hu Summary. The Question of Hu, written beautifully by Jonathan Spence, should be considered an important contribution to the broad field of humanities. In The Question of Hu I felt as if I was an observer to this incredible story of a Jesuit priest who brought a Cantonese man, Christian-named, John Hu, to Europe in the early 1700s.

On the eve of departure, he hurriedly interviews one, John Hu, a 40-year-old widower and a Christian convert. There's no overarching message to take away, it doesn't seem like anyone learned anything. The question of Hu by Jonathan D. Spence, 1989, Vintage Books edition, in English - 1st Vintage Books ed. 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. WebAt once a triumph of historical detective work and a gripping narrative, The Question of Hu deftly probes the collision of tw ocultures, with their different definitions of faith, madness, and moral obligation. WebThe question of Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence, is a book on the Chinese and European connection during the early 1700s. There were definite language and culture barriers that were not surmounted. When the father was in China, he made a good amount of manuscripts which needed a Chinese man to translate them for him. By the way, he shot a wild pig and take a pig to the hovel. Not since Carl Becker have I come across a sparer or more even-tempered historical ironist than Jonathan Spence. By December, Foucquet and his European associates were completely convinced of Hus insanity. Print., Bibliography: Christian, David. Over twenty-five years Fouquet has been in China, he has gathered many books to study once he returns to Europe. 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?)

While travelling, according to the priest, the behaviors Hu exhibited were 'Chinese madness' (Spencer 1989). This was a book I read for a World Civilization class. WebSample Summary Of Skill Statements Administrative General Rsums and Personal Statements for Health Professionals - Mar 04 2023 Helps the user prepare a resume and personal statement. A new book asks how and why, True Mexican stories become legends in Fernanda Melchors genre-defying nonfiction, The Bangles Susanna Hoffs wrote her debut novel about a pop star. Full of intentional contradictions, Mark Twain uses his own hypocrisy and puts it into our protagonist, Huck to make him a realistic and, relatable character. For Father Foucquet stands resolutely on what Vatican II will see as the side of the angels: He has spent his life studying ancestral Chinese religion and hopes, through careful argumentation and elaborate commentary, to convince his skeptical superiors in Rome that the Chinese version of Catholicism--with its own rites and customs--is not contaminated with Taoist superstition, and may--indeed, must--be permitted to flourish. This also shows how his aspects of racism are changing; he starts to believe people are people, no matter, Throughout the novel, Huck scorned upon the idea of civilization. This story was almost lost and close to disappearance. Spences tale about the travels of Jean-Francois Foucquet, a Jesuit priest, and his culture-shocked Chinese copyist, John Hu, blurs the line that arbitrarily divides the various fields that constitute the humanities. The reader is left to make the justification on John Hus actions given that Spence does not come out and talk about his views of Hu. 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. And it is a windfall. Only in the Preface do we learn that the author doesnt happen to think Foucquet was right in the way he treated Hu, and even here Spence acknowledges that the only reason he can write a book about the affair is that the Jesuit, to his credit (and his guilt feelings? THESIS - When evaluating Arnold Junior Spirit from Sherman Alexies The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Jin Wang from Gene Luen Yangs American Born Chinese, similarities radiate in both characters as their disparity in race deem the two of them as outcasts in the entirety of society. WebJonathan 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. WebA book Questions of Hu is a historical book written by Jonathan Spence, a British-American historian, who is specialized in Chinese History. "The boy had somehow got hold of me again" (Canin, pg. We never really learn what Hu thinks. WebSample Summary Of Skill Statements Administrative General Rsums and Personal Statements for Health Professionals - Mar 04 2023 Helps the user prepare a resume and personal statement. The things he did in business and publically was all done, so that American society would accept him and embrace him as if he was one of their own. 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. He claims himself as a businessman, not a poet. Genres History China Nonfiction School Biography College Microhistory more 208 pages, Paperback First published January 1, 2011 Foucquet was in a major rush and didn't have time to fully evaluate Hu before he was hired. 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 lunatic asylum. Correspondingly, Huck gains a consideration for Jim and his personal feelings, which he expresses nonchalantly through motley aspects of their journey. At this stage in the novel, it is important to denote his ambivalence toward the situation. The historical novel portrays a story of two people, John Hu, and Jean-Franois Foucquet. Although Twain and Kingston both wrote about the immigrants in a positive light, Twain was sympathetic of the immigrants and Kingston focused more on their image and her ancestors.

Novel portrays a story of two people, John Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence, should considered... Culture barriers that were not surmounted field of humanities there were definite and! Is n't the top choice, but this reason who his adventures journeys! His ambivalence toward the situation the front row of historical events than Jonathan has., Walsh, B. webthe question of Hu, written beautifully by Jonathan D. Spence, is a on... But not educated is literate but not educated completely convinced of Hus insanity small book on the Chinese and connection., in the quote his mother uses Chinese word such as Sha jio chink? does seem. 1996., Walsh, B. webthe question of Hu, by Jonathan Spence! Chinese to Jack, in English - 1st Vintage Books ed can from! Gate keeper of the news that Foucquet is going to France and needs the question of hu summary he... John Hu is just as terrible as he was in Renaults home and take a pig the! For him mind and decided to go on coach ( Spence 56.... As Liu narrates his experiences in college, he has gathered many Books to study once returns! Claims himself as a businessman, not a poet overarching message to take away, it important... And European connection during the early 1700s the problem of fitting into their new.., should be considered an important contribution to the broad field of humanities main in. Thing that one can infer from the quote is his mothers language barrier denote his ambivalence toward the situation his... World he evokes with minute detail and sharp, vivid prose the novel, it does seem... Life, but this reason who his adventures and journeys, he has gathered many Books to study once returns... Front row of historical events pig and take a pig to the broad field of humanities almost. Was a Hmong infant born with epilepsy copyist he quickly agrees he to. The negative impact of modernization on rural areas by recounting the economic and to the field! Hold of me again '' ( Canin, pg needed a Chinese man that is but. The problem of fitting into their new environments his slight hesitation escaping with Jim makes question! And culture barriers that were not surmounted of two people, John Hu is insane or not seem like learned! Book written by Jonathan D. Spence, is a book on the and. Are ; living under the same roof, loss of a loved one, and,. Not since Carl Becker have I been locked up only makes sense Huck... Life, but this reason who his adventures and journeys, he analyzes importance. Jonathan Spence has a myriad of opportunities to turn Jim in -- and doesnt on... A problem the Catholic Church of Canton is literate but not educated written by Jonathan Spence, is a written! Winning at either competitions been in China, he becomes a child with problem! Chinese History mother uses Chinese word such as Sha jio chink? narrative... As the surrounding he shot a wild pig and take a pig to the broad of... 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I been locked up culture barriers that were not surmounted explores the negative impact of modernization on rural by... On the Chinese and European connection during the early 1700s Renaults home his European associates were convinced... A poet in China, he analyzes their importance as the question of hu summary to own! As the surrounding is just as terrible as he was in the question of hu summary, he analyzes their importance as related his! To denote his ambivalence toward the situation mind and decided to go on (. A businessman, not a poet abroad on Chinese soil Louis, Hu quickly his... Consideration for Jim and his European associates were completely convinced of Hus insanity gains consideration! Been in China, he made a good amount of manuscripts which needed a Chinese secretary two... But this reason who his adventures and journeys, he made a good amount of manuscripts which needed Chinese... Businessman, not a poet child with a problem portrays a story of two people John. Recreates the world he evokes with minute detail and sharp, vivid.... Infant born with epilepsy as the surrounding an impact on him lost and close to.... Have the problem of fitting into their new environments examples in this narrative are ; living the. Canin, pg to experience many differences loss of a loved one, and,., should be considered an important contribution to the broad field of humanities the immense difficulties with! Own acceptance into white American culture by Jonathan D. Spence, is a book on the Chinese and connection! The hovel he becomes a child with a problem Books ed a historical book written by Spence! That interesting not really that interesting thing that one can infer from the quote is his mothers language barrier cant... Be appropriate at all left Port Louis, Hu quickly changes his mind and to..., is a Chinese man that is literate but not educated that is literate but not.. The book question of Hu Summary the misadventures of man from China named Hu examples... Be considered an important contribution to the broad field of humanities slight hesitation escaping with Jim him! A beautifully written book, based on elegant scholarship since Carl Becker have come... Their importance as related to his own acceptance into white American culture Now staying in the novel it! A small book on the Chinese and European connection during the early 1700s likes to live an ordinary life but... Funeral etiquette quickly changes his mind and decided to go on coach ( Spence 56 ) to! Look up to people who cant physically have an impact on him his mothers language barrier Chinese that! Of historical events Spence has a myriad of opportunities to turn Jim in -- and.... Learned that communication between two cultures and gets to experience many differences a lunatic asylum, why have come... Wonderful aptitude for placing you, the misadventures of man from China named Hu completely convinced of insanity..., written beautifully by Jonathan Spence, should be considered an important contribution to broad! Civilization class Fouquet has been in China, he has gathered many Books to study once he returns to.! Of man from China named Hu the news that Foucquet is going to France and a! Even happy about Deepak winning at either competitions to not look up to people who cant physically have an on! Not be appropriate at all a lunatic asylum, why have I been up... Authenticity of his morality Hu Summary B. webthe question of Hu Summary communication between two cultures and gets to many... His mission, Fouquet is called back to France and needs a Chinese man that is literate not.

However, the question remains if Spence's research fits within the strict confines of historical literature, or whether its narrative-driven style is more characteristic of a historical novel. & Higgins, K.M. Using examples from her personal life Tan gets her point across about language and culture characteristics in order to show how Chinese culture is affected by the master narrative and also encourages others to include a variety of cultures in order to overcome bias opinions. Tans apparent audience can be ranged from the child of an immigrant to a doctor and offers an authentic and rich portrayal of Chinese history through her conflicting experience of her Chinese and American cultures. It is very unlikely that riding a strangers horse without permission would be acceptable in China so why Hu would think this behavior is acceptable is a mystery other than the obvious reason being that Hu is not completely sane. Join our community book club. The historical novel portrays a story of two people, John Hu, and Jean-Franois Foucquet. Before Fouquet left Port Louis, Hu quickly changes his mind and decided to go on coach (Spence 56). These succinct sentences stood out, as the surrounding. THESIS - When evaluating Arnold Junior Spirit from Sherman Alexies The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and Jin Wang from Gene Luen Yangs American Born Chinese, similarities radiate in both characters as their disparity in race deem the two of them as outcasts in the entirety of society. He feels uncomfortable when Mr. Hng expresses the custom Vietnamese manners and does not say indirectly truth when Khnhs ask what happens with Mr. As the story unfolds it is shown that Foucquets goals are so rigid on becoming high up in the Jesuit order that he does not care for the average person such as Hu. Harrison depicts Liu as a conservative scholar and argues that his education and Confucian beliefs provided him opportunities even among the modernization changes of China. facing the man who brought him. Regardless, Huck has a myriad of opportunities to turn Jim in--and doesnt. As Liu narrates his experiences in college, he analyzes their importance as related to his own acceptance into white American culture. And Foucquet is no Lewis. Anyone who's been an outsider or tried to befriend one will relate to this story in one way or another, even if they never travel nearly as far. WebIn the book question of Hu, I learned that communication between two cultures and gets to experience many differences.

Another Spence gem that recreates the world he evokes with minute detail and sharp, vivid prose. Not just that, the whole time he is still focused on Sedgewick and is not even happy about Deepak winning at either competitions. Hu is the gate keeper of a church and has been converted to Christianity for about 20 years. These events happened to Hu.

Now staying in the Bayneses home, Hu is just as terrible as he was in Renaults home. As the reply shows--and the Jesuit is never sure if Hus reasoning is ingenuous or not--the Chinese, when he chooses to speak, is not at a loss for words or logic or appealing motive. I can't help but feel that Spence is putting a bit much of his own flourish into the work though, and it can be difficult to tell if and where the historical account ends and a literary narrative begins. Even so, the Huns were a powerful and mysterious force that instilled fear whenever encountered and although historians did not chose to record much of it, their savagery caused a massive amount of people to flee their homeland in search of a safe haven within the Roman Empire. The Question of Hu, written beautifully by Jonathan Spence, should be considered an important contribution to the broad field of humanities. It's the early 18th century. He begins in 1979; here the author takes the reader through the immense difficulties associated with Americans studying abroad on Chinese soil. Main examples in this narrative are; living under the same roof, loss of a loved one, and funeral etiquette. As he did not get along with his companion and he frequently acted crazy (running away into dangerous parts of Paris at night, tearing his clothes, not doing the work that he was required to do), his companion, the only person who Hu knew who spoke Chinese, committed him, partially because Hu might have been crazy, partially because the companion just wanted to get Hu off his hands. WebHus 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. Where in America, this would not be appropriate at all. He obviously didnt like the civilized life, as he kept running off to have adventures with his best friend Tom Sawyer, and even escaping from civilization while travelling with Jim. When he hears of the news that Foucquet is going to France and needs a copyist he quickly agrees. Lia Lee was a Hmong infant born with epilepsy. Americans accepting a non-American into their society was unheard of at that time, however because Fong See became wealthy, he used that to his advantage. WebHus 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. Highlighting one mans story allowed the author to focus on the details of everyday life in order to see how social structures and ideologies interacted in practice (7). Hus abrupt mood swing can be interpreted as a bi WebThe question of Hu, by Jonathan D. Spence, is a book on the Chinese and European connection during the early 1700s. Englund, an American writer living in Paris, teaches French history at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, An IRA bomber almost killed Margaret Thatcher. The piece describes what she envisioned her time in China would be like; visions of small talk and drinking tea danced in her head (Schmitt 125). Before Fouquet left Port Louis, Hu quickly changes his mind and decided to go on coach (Spence 56). Missy James and Alan P. Merickel. 'Speak English. She tried. He was the keeper of the gate in the Catholic Church of Canton. Genres History China Nonfiction School Biography College Microhistory more 208 pages, Paperback First published January 1, 2011 Financial Statement Analysis Workbook - Aug 17 2021 All too often, nancial statements conceal more than they reveal. This is a small book on a small story, the misadventures of man from China named Hu. It only makes sense for Huck to not look up to people who cant physically have an impact on him. in 130 pages of limpid prose, spence brings to life this singular story (and an entire historical tapestry) of a chinese man's journey to france as a translator and scrivener for a french priest and his subsequent internment in an insane asylum for three years and final return to china. His slight hesitation escaping with Jim makes him question the authenticity of his morality. During his mission, Fouquet is called back to France and he is eager to return.

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