+1 862 207 3288
Is historical fiction useful as a tool to study the past?
Critical Book Analysis:
Jonathan Spence, The Question Hu (New York: Knopf, 1988 )
Assignment Description
For this assignment, you will be required to critically engage with The Question of Hu
using the article Bruce Mazlish, “The Question of the Question of Hu.”
1
The novel
portrays the cultural exchange that occurred between China and Europe – in this case,
France. While written from the perspective of Europeans, The Question of Hu text offers
a number of opportunities to experience what life would have been like for Hu , and
others like him, in their encounters with Europeans. As the text demonstrates,
European intellectuals were intrigued by Chinese civilization – including its longevity
and philosophical traditions, but also some of the points of tension between two
distinct cultures. Jonathan Spence’s narrative rests upon the use of primary sources
written in a European context, as well as a degree of artistic license.
This assignment differs from a typical book review, which usually require s students to
read a scholarly secondary so urce text. While this book has utilized extensive research
by a scholar, some particular challenges are presented as a work of historical fiction . In
particular, this assignment will engage you in a written genre where historical fact and
primary sources combines with fictional, artistic license .
Requirements
You will be required to read the Question of Hu and Bruce Mazlish’s article. In the first
part of the paper (no more than one page) , you will briefly review the story presented
by Jonathan Spence. In the rest of the paper, you will answer the question: Is historical
fiction useful as a tool to study the past? Does The Question of Hu offer a better
understanding of the interaction between the Jesuits and local Chinese, or should it
be treated as a work of fiction? You will use Bruce Mazlish’ article as a framework for
your argument. Starting with a brief analysis of his argument, you will respond to the
1
Bruce Mazlish, “The Question of the Question of Hu,” History and Theory 31 No. 2 (May 1992), 143 – 152.
ASIA/HISTORICAL 1430 – Book Analysis/ 2
question above. In short, you will use the article’s argument to frame your own , whether
you agree or disagree with Spence .
To create your argument, your paper should respond to the following:
i. How does Spence depict the interactions between East Asia and Europe
presented in this text?
ii. What does the text tell us about the contemporary world of Asia, in particular
China?
iii. In response to the above two questions, w hat sources does Jonathan Strange
use in creating his narrative? Are they appropriate for the narrative and
experiences he is trying to portray?
Goals
(i) This assignment will bring students into critical engagement with a genre of writing
that is both factual and fictional. This assignment should lead students to reflect on how
much popular historical knowledge is transmitted via mass media, including novels,
movies and television series. (ii) By using Bruce Mazlish’s article, students will develop
their ability to construct their own arguments using the work of others, which is a key
skill in academic writing.
Format
This assignment requires a critical analysis of the text and article , not just a review or
summary. As such, this will be written in a formal essay format with a clear
organizational structure, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Please refer
to the class guide posted on UMLearn for some tips on essay writing. You o nly need to
use the two sources listed here. As a formal essay, there should be complete Chicago
style footnotes (no endnotes) and formatting. For quick online reference , refer to the
following: (as well as the Rampola text or the class guide posted on UMLearn):
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
Mary Lynn Rampola, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History
ASIA/HIST 1430 Class guide (UMLearn)
The paper should be 1500 words, written in 12-pt Times New Roman Font with double
spaced text and default margins (i.e. please don’t change margins) . Papers that fall
below the 1500 word mark may be penalized.
ASIA/HISTORICAL 1430 – Book Analysis/ 3
Marking Rubric
Footnotes /10
5 points for appropriate use of notes: Footn otes , not endnotes, are given at the
appropriate time, i.e. whenever a quote is given or a specific section in the text is
referred to.
5 points for correct format of notes, minus 1 for not using “Ibid.”: Refer to the two links
above for proper formatting, and to the Rampola guide book. Note that “Ibid.” should
be used when the same source as the previous footnote is being cited.
Style and Appearance /20
5 points for following directions on font, margins, spacing etc.
5 points for right length
10 points for general quality of writing (grammar, spelling, evidence of proofreading)
Structure /30
10 points each for intr oduction, body, and conclusion and sense of flow throughout.
– Introduction: Should appropriately introduce the text, its content, and what your
essay will argue , including your conclusions on the useful of the text.
– Body: This is where your claims made in the introduction will be presented,
discussed, and argued. Avoid long quotations and make sure your paragraphs
contain one idea each (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/606/01/). As
each paragraph will contribute to one broad argument, discussion should flow well
and transition in ideas between paragraphs smoothly.
– Conclusion: Beyond simply repeating/summarizing what your will have said,
reflect on the broader importance of your review, and of the general question
posed by this assignment (as well as any questions you have raised). Remember:
The reader will be looking for an answer to “So what?!” Why is this argument
important?
Quality of Analysis /40
Criteria:
– It needs to be an analysis rather than merely a description of the text, responding to
questions raised in this assignment sheet.
– A close reading of (at least some of) the text is necessary.
– The essay must include Bruce Mazlish’s article.
– The argument should directly answer to assignment’s question and provide ample
evidence from both texts.
– Original thinking while engaging with the text can deal with speculation, but should
be accompanied with some evidence as needed.
