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Motifs
Definition of Setting
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or it can be an imagined... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the city of New York, or... read full definition
Setting is where and when a story or scene takes place. The where can be a real place like the... read full definition
Setting
Explanation and Analysis:
"A Thousand Years of Good Prayers" is primarily set in a small Midwestern U.S. college town during the 21st century. At the end of the story, there are flashbacks of Mr. Shi's life in Beijing during the Cultural Revolution. The Cultural Revolution, taking place from 1966 to 1976, was led by Chairman Mao Zedong. It aimed to demolish anything seen as relating to capitalism.
In the present day, after learning about his daughter's divorce, Mr. Shi travels to the U.S. for the first time to take care of her. He grows accustomed to the U.S. and observes the hefty salary that his daughter makes compared to his back in China. He describes America as a young country with many young people. At the same time, he still hold many traditional beliefs.
Mr. Shi splits much of his time between a park and his daughter's place. In the park, Mr. Shi meets an immigrant from Iran, whom he calls Madam, and the two grow to be good friends. While it is unclear exactly what year it is, Mr. Shi vaguely recalls some of Iran's recent history and concludes that Madam is a lucky woman. This suggests that Madam had immigrated sometime during the Iran-Iraq War. The park becomes a place where Mr. Shi learns to be able to speak freely and recognize the importance of talking.
Mr. Shi also spends time at his daughter’s place. This is the only time when he sees his daughter because she works as a librarian during the day. Towards the end of the story, Mr. Shi asks for his daughter to arrange for him to go back to China.
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