Pigs from Home

1. How does the author start this story which is in direct contrast to the title of the story? What effect does this have on the reader and their expectations of the story?

The ideology behind 'Pigs from Home' suggests positive connotations while the anecdote the author uses juxtaposes the idea of the pigs being friendly and the childish ideas of happy pigs.

2. What core Vietnamese value is instilled in the author?

The core value instilled into the author was "the belief that any good Vietnamese family was a self-sustaining one" this being is seen in the family by their own farm containing herbs and animals.

3. What is humorous about the mother’s ‘flair for natural medicine’ in regards to her personality?

The mother's 'flair for natural medicine' suggests a superstitious personality and justifies her being a hypochondriac.

4. How does the description of the killing of pigeons continue the style utilised in the introduction of the story?

The description involving the manner the pigeon was killed continues on with the style of the bizarre comparing the traditional Vietnamese culture to the one the author sees as Australia this is seen when the author wonders if other kids have to experience this.

5. What is the author’s opinion of pigs? Give two quotes to support your conclusion.

The author describes pig excrement as bieng "the most repulsive smelling of all" this suggests the authors dislike of anything to do with pigs this is further seen in the quote "no pig has ever been a friend of mine"

6. In the paragraph on pgs 53-54, give two examples of alliteration employed by the author.

"pushed the poultry" and "prime position" are two examples of alliteration in the paragraph on pages 53 to 54.

7. On pg 54 what simile is used to describe pigs? How does this simile work for the situation it is used?

The simile used to describe the pigs in page 54 was "a pig is like the ocean: don't ever turn your back on it" contains irony in the sense of the duck turning its back to the pig. This simile focuses on the the pig being untrustworthy and dangerous at the same time.

8. What simile does the author use to describe her mother sunning herself? How does this relate to the core focus of the story?

The simile used to describe the grandmother was "the only reason she'd leave the house was to sun herself by standing in the driveway and turning herself slowly like a rotisserie chicken" this simile complements the core focus of the story of how different the Vietnamese are compared to the rest of the community.

9. What does the author describe as ‘the divide between the old world and the new’? What do you think is meant by this statement?

The statement 'the divide between the old world and the new' highlights the authors opinions on their parents traditions and ideologies.