Pages 143-164

History 8 China The Examination

Synopsis of the chapter: During pages 143-164 of The examination, Chen and Hong finally arrive at the collection of three towns at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers called the Hanyang. Chen and Hong both have letters to deliver. Chen needs to go to Wuchang to deliver his letter, but Hong must also deliver his letter. Hong feels surprised and hurt because Chen did not tell him about his letter. Chen leaves early in the next morning to deliver his letter but discovers that the man the letter must be delivered to, Men daft has moved to Suzhou. Hong and Chen take off again but are intercepted by Chinese pirates, who force Hong to hide the 4 items under a hat: the white lotus token, Chen letter, His letter, and the hat. The pirates come on the ship and take the money of the passengers, take several bars of gold from merchants, and then killed a magistrate. The pirates took their remaining hostages on foot and demanded they give the names of anyone who might pay ransom. Hong is offered a job working for the pirates and accepts, however during his initiation ritual his letter is found. The refusal of Hong to tell what his letter means results in his being tortured, an example of a legalistic punishment. Hong becomes subject to torture by slicing, however before losing consciousness he yells fifteen, the White lotus help call. When he wakes up, Yao is in font of him, informing him of his white lotus status and his ability to help Hong.

Examples

This example is of Mencius! Mohism is the sequence with the two girls who help Hong. RB

Mohism: "We are sworn brothers," said the boy. "And before the sun comes up, we must be out of here, or you are a dead man- and so, probably, am I(164)." This is an example of Mohism because even though Hong is a member of the White Lotus and thus it is his duty to help him, Yao shows compassion and love for Hong.

Legalism: "Let me tell you something. We Know how to make you talk (159)." This example of legalism is about the harsh punishment that the pirates will exact to Hong.

Honor: "He would never talk. The lotus would be proud of him, and for a few astounding moments of revelation, he felt that was his destiny (160)." H0ng showcases his honor with the revelation that he would never betray his friends, proving that he was really born under the tiger and is a loyal member of the White Lotus.

Information from The Examination From Michael Bosse