ANTHROPOLOGY 2351
RAISE THE RED LANTERN (Zhang Yimou director) QUESTIONS
1.
Discuss elements of polygamous marriage in China.
2.
Is polygamous marriage shown as a successful type of marriage? (Why or Why
not)
3.
Zhang Yimou is from the People’s Republic of China. Do you think that this
influenced the film? (explain)
4.
Do you think that this is a negative portrayal of polygamous marriage based on
the political perspectives in the People’s Republic of China at the time?
5.
Patriarchy (male rule) is said to lead to the devaluation of women. Do you see
this in the film? Explain your answer.
6.
Patriarchy is also seen to lead to violence against women. Do you see this in the
film? (give an example and explain)
7.
How are males depicted in the film?
8.
How are children depicted?
9.
Weisser claims that this film is “one of the greatest, most starkly honest,
depictions of female bonding ever presented on the screen.” Do you agree or
disagree with this statement? Why do you think this way
10.
Discuss elements of Chinese culture in the film. Do you think these elements
represent Chinese culture as a whole or does it focus in on specific areas of
culture.