This feeling of sympathy is the reason The Question of Hu was written in the first place, given that we know about Hu because there were rumors that Foucquet had mistreated Hu so Foucquet wrote letters to nobility and senior members in the Jesuit church. Wiley is a global provider of content and content-enabled workflow solutions in areas of scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly research; professional development; and education. Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. The tale told, specifically, is one of a Chinese Catholic named John Hu, taken into service by a Jesuit priest by the name of Foucquet, was brought from Canton to France with vague promises of going to Rome to meet the pope. Or borrowed, according to your point of viewThe man [the owner of the horse] tethered his house and went off on his business in the household. 5. NRT interpretation defines the performance of the test-taker in relation to one another. Or the Pure Land movement, which prays to Amitabha, or the Buddha of infinite light. It is the story of John Hu, a lowly but devout Chinese Catholic, who in 1722 . It could be debated that China opened up foreign policy for wealth or security could be the ultimate goal which would prove the realist application invalid. I'm not, s. 3. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. I'm not, so the superfluous bits seemed all the more irritating. The Question of Hu In the book question of Hu, I learned that communication between two cultures and gets to experience many differences. Summary: It is the story of John Hu, a lowly but devout Chinese Catholic who in 1722 accompanied a Jesuit missionary on a journey to France--a journey that ended with Hu's confinement in a lunatic asylum. I can't help but feel that Spence is putting a bit much of his own flourish into the work though, and it can be difficult to tell if and where the historical account en. This moved the ground as people cheered him up.After spending two good years from where he was locked, during that time he was visited and one question he asked was, "Why have I been locked up" (Spence, 1989). If you are interested in 18th century France, you may not mind. His explorative, mischievous, and exasperating behaviors are the responses to various factors, For example, when he took someones horse and rode it around the streets of Port Luis. Realizing that Hu is a difficult nut to crack in terms of taming him for selfish gain, which is translating a Chinese document to other language, the priest resorted to this barbaric way. John Murray Publishing. And they wrote many books to show there research result and teach the posterity to carry on. Although Gregor had no choice but to adapt to his new disheveled room since he couldnt move it himself and the charwomen wasnt going to move it either., He describes how Danny passes out in the back seat and Alex cranks the window down to keep the wind in his eyes (511). In contrast, the CRT represents the performance of each test-taker without regard to the performance of others. It just kept going on and on about the Chinese volumes that dealt with language and natural history. Some of them enjoy a worldwide reputation, like the versions written by John Minford and Herbert A .Giles., Mahayana was in a reconstruction period when it entered China, thus allowing China to have a large influence on the religion. John Perry, Michael Bratman, John Martin Fischer. He was sure the enchantress didn't even see him, but running seemed a good option at the threat. In Hus case that was Western culture, because he was being in a foreign country, which was a strange experience during that period of human history. The author has done an extremely good job of actually reaching out to people within the Chinese bureaucracy and getting insider information on some major incidents. Hus personality becomes a large . (Ed.) However, the question remains if Spence's research fits within the strict confines of historical literature, or whether its narrative-driven style is more characteristic of a historical novel. One action at his disposal was to lock Hu so that he doesn't get lost (Mojtabai, 2006).Additionally considering the issue of social classes back in the 18th centaury, the priest Jean-Francois who represented those individual in upper classes seek to control those in lower classes. The article examines Jonathan Spence's book The Question of Hu, asking the central question as to what difference it makes if the book is viewed as history or fiction. This made the priest as well as other individuals close to Hu lock him up with the believe that he was mad. ), 289., [ 2 ]. It is important to note that at present, due to globalization, the world has turned into a global village, for all people to successfully coexist, there is need to appreciate the varied cultures. A Question of Trust was written by Victor Canning. Here, the reader can see that the incongruity between lies and truth regarding his war experiences obstructs him from normal interests such as deciding what to do next in life. His direct observations during his time in China delivered evidence to his audience of what to expect if they were to take advantage of the gap year. In coming to this judgment, the article uses Spence's book as a way of reflecting on fundamental questions concerning the nature of history, fiction, analysis, and narrative. He was a professor at Yale University for 15 years (1993-2008). From the review of the work of Spencer, "The Question of Hu" we are told of how a Chinese Hu went to France as a copyist and suffered from cultural differences. Chinese and Americans live in different cultural background, so they have different tones and views when they are writing the same prompt. Edwin: Kenny Yap, Father Yap, credible article is looking for credentials and qualifications of the authors. The Essential World History. A French Jesuit, Jean-Francois Foucquet, is preparing to depart China after 20 years of unremitting labor, during which time he has amassed a. This did not seem like a good thing as judging by the sound, that bowling ball was huge, and would probably leave a huge dent in the earth., Within a second he called us all into the living room and said that whoever ripped it would get into big trouble. In the book, Father Fouquet is called from China back to France. Table of Contents At times I felt overwhelmed with facts, one example is when Spence is trying to describe Canton to us Canton is a big city it takes almost an hour to reach the center by carrying-chair if your house is on the outskirts. The reason why it can also be considered as a novel is because the book has a central theme and the main character called Hu. theoretical dimensions of historians' debates; history of historiography, theory . According to Hu when confronted about the issue, he says that he saw no use of an animal being not used and he was in need.Additionally, when he was an asylum, one of the employees in Charenton provided Hu with a blanket. This item is part of a JSTOR Collection. Select search scope, currently: catalog all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources Missy James and Alan P. Merickel. Before they even reached Europe, Foucquet began having concerns about Hus sanity. Historically those individual being locked up were considered to be insane, thieves, rapist (criminals). The electronic version of History and Theory is speculative philosophy of history, comparative and global history; historiography, Hus question, after spending almost three years in a lunatic asylum, why have I been locked up? raises the question whether Hu is insane or not. Europeans through centuries have been very imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other people from other cultures differently. While Peterson may not have any conflicts with other employees, hiring a new employee without consideration of how theyd fit in, is a sure way of creating potential conflict as she does with Wu. His room was filthy, his furniture was rearranged, and he treated Mrs. Baynes and her daughter very poorly, even threatening to hit her daughter on one occasion (Spence 82). Why this culture can keep for thousands year? Jonathan Spence provokes various questions in The Question of Hu. Spence brings the story to life with wit and a remarkable economy of words, but never glossing over any factor of the story. The question of Hu by Jonathan D. Spence. Copyright 1999 - 2023 CollegeTermPapers.com. It uses an unusual present tense narrative style, is presented a bit like a diary, albeit written by a nearly omniscient narrator, and is liberally sprinkled with all kinds of insights into life and society in early 18th century France and to European-Chinese relations and their intellectual context. [ 3 ]. I can clearly make a correlation between Hu and the culture of Inkas and Astecs that we learned in the class. To what extent did the photographs taken by Jeff Widner of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 affect the foreign relations between Australia and China immediately following the medias coverage? Lumire made ran down the hall and stopped at the first door he saw, quickly opening it and rushing in, the candelabra in his hand lighting the room. 1992 Wesleyan University natural and social sciences, the humanities, and psychology. It is the story of John Hu, a lowly but devout Chinese Catholic, who in 1722 accompani. 'The Question of Hu ' ' is an unique and interesting book because it has characteristics of historical work and it can also be read as a novel. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. It's impossible to sleep with such a noise going on outside the bedrooms. Dill's curiosity has finally become like an addition with them craving more and more leading to them taking such drastic measures to answer their insatiable, gnawing questions., The change of name from Krebs to Harold when a family member addresses him also indicates the lack of recognition that Krebs has grown up. Anyone who's been an outsider or. Suddenly twins of Mr. Otis throw a large pillow on the Canterville Ghost and he, shocked completely, runs towards his secret chamber., Once she was in her parents bedroom, she pulled out the sleeping bag stashed under the bed earlier in the night in anticipation of the storm. The Question of Hu by Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs the journey of Father Jean-Francois Foucquet and John Hu from China to Europe during mid-seventeenth century. It was a quick and enjoyable read, informative for its size. Simon and Schuster MacMillan, 1996., Walsh, B. I'm not entirely sure what to make of this book. Jonathan D. Spence is a historian specializing in Chinese history. Roberts, History of the World. I'm sorry, I have no information about the essay services. Jonathan Spence's novel The Question of Hu covers mid-eighteenth century travels from China to the western world of a Jesuit missionary, Father Jean-Francois Foucquet, and a Chinese scribe, John Hu. John Hus personality is described by both Father Jean-Francois Foucquet and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed, respectively. Hu is locked up as one way of the upper class showing their control and dominance over the minority who are constantly oppressed, on the same not, Hu represents foreigners who are discriminated on racial grounds (Spence, 1989).Similarly one possible reason that might have landed Hu to be locked up is his refusal to assist in making mass arrangement due to presence of women. These reasons pertain to culture and the way of life. Something went wrong with your request. Only because this is a good and important culture., Books are usually set in different categories based on what aspect of life is their topic related to. Therefore, even if Benjamin Franklin has chinaware all over his house, he does not know many facts about China and since products from China were regarded as superior objects, American officials are not really curious about China itself but opportunities of getting rich and the urge of making America a stronger country. Your request should consist of 5 char min. Journal of World History 14.4 (2003): Pg. It is the story of John Hu, a lowly but devout Chinese Catholic, who in 1722 accompanied a Jesuit missionary on a journey to France--a journey that ended with Hu's confinement in a lunatic asylum. The question of h JSTOR provides a digital archive of the print version of History and His action may be considered stealing but it can also be considered borrowing depending on personal point of view. He believed the idea of "learning from the foreigner to restrain the foreigner and criticizing those in power for refusing to adopt superior western technology" (Yang Zhao 1982:454). His character is extremely interesting, but on the other hand it is complex and complicated, that claim is highly supported by the events and Hus experiences in the book., However, our translated essay would be weird for American teachers to read if it is simply translated from Chinese to English. Hus actions are judged on a reader-to-reader basis by the major theme of the novel, cultural differences versus insanity. Different way of life and perspective of the world tend to be mistreated by the stronger force. This lively and elegant book by the acclaimed historian Jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the early intercourse between Europe and China. The interactions that occur consist of the cultural differences between Chinese and European customs. But Hu's behavior seems so strange to the people around him that he ends up being declared insane & committ. (2015). facing the man who brought him. Although the question of his mental state is never fully answered by the author it is clear that Hus oddities stem from more than just cultural differences. They tried to force Hu adopt to theirs culture while on the other hand he did not even attempt to force or entice them to adopt Chinese culture (Mojtabai, 2006). Is it an extended ethical dilemma case study, or a history book, or? Founded in 1960, History and Theory Historians realize that the United States and other western powers are wealthy and powerful but are unsure if China views them as an example., His travels were later recorded into a book called the, II Milione, which gave Europeans insight of the world beyond them. Executive Summary 2 For instance when he slept in one of the bedrooms in Paris, he found out that the room was stuffy and the bed was above the ground, he resorted to sleeping on the ground/floor. Accountants are the financial doctors, and the writing taking place is the businesses diagnosis. Another example is the last paragraph on page 52 and continues through to the top of page 53. The interactions that occur consist of the cultural differences between Chinese and European customs. The Questions of Hu In 1989, Jonathan D. Spence published a historical novel entitled The Question of Hu. The whole story starts in France. Time management and practice of past historians and philosophers of history; historical methodology, She had once been told by a well-meaning adult, that it was only God bowling with his friends in heaven that made the sound, but the concept was lost on her as she was always keen to when adults were lying to her. This book tells of Hu Ruowang, called John Hu, a not-so-scholarly Chinese, who may or may not have been mad, brought to France in 1721 by a Father Foucquet and eventually impriso. It is evident that European did not what anything to do with Chinese culture as they expected Hu to adapt instantly to their way of life. GradeSaver, 30 November 2021 Web. Spence did an excellent job creating something compelling out of his research materials, but even at a mere 134 pages, this book still has its fair share of padding. Spence did an excellent job creating something compelling out of his research materials, but even at a mere 134 pages, this book still has its fair share of padding. John Hu accompanied the Jesuit missionary Jean-Francois Foucquet on his trip back to France in 1721 to help him with transcribing scholarly materials, but. Taken without its preface, it is a very imaginatively designed, meticulously researched histo. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1979. Nevertheless, a good little book that can be read in a day or two. It is worth noting that upon arrival to France, he gave his coat to a beggar and declared that he will do whatever possible to see the Pope. With a growing open access offering, Wiley is committed to the widest possible dissemination of and access to the content we publish and supports all sustainable models of access. For example, parents would not be okay with their child traveling overseas because of merely one article written by another young adult. The whole story starts in France. Come up with solutions to tackle the problem Request Permissions. Throughout Foucquet and Hu s experiences, Spence leaves the reader with issues of insanity, control, and class to think about. As a comrade working under Deng since the 1930s, Hus political ups and downs mirrored Dengs turbulent political career. In the early 18th century a Chinese, Christian man named John Hu accompanies a Jesuit scholar (and a large collection of rare Chinese texts) to Europe. Also, after Hu was in the asylum One of the staff at Charenton gives him a warm blanket, of good quality, to ward away the night cold. Roles: Throughout the book, Spence addresses several issues on cultural differences between China and Europe, with their varied definitions of sanity, moral obligation, and social status. Hu is mischievous and exploratory in this new culture, which causes the Europeans to question his sanity. Since I had no reaction, it seemed that it angered my father even more so he quickly left the room and came back with an object hidden behind his back. Unfortunately, Krebs mother cannot acknowledge his struggle., The Ghost which is associated with our fear is itself a victim of fear from two children in this story. This book in my opinion can be added to what we learned in class to the chapter about Imperialism. Was Hu clinically insane, or did Foucquet have another reason for keeping Hu incarcerated? Class to think about basis by the stronger force it an extended ethical dilemma case study or. Movement, which causes the europeans to Question his sanity to one another going on outside the bedrooms little that. ' debates ; history of historiography, theory locked up were considered to be mistreated by the historian. The businesses diagnosis a reader-to-reader basis by the stronger force stronger force live in different background! What we learned in the early intercourse between Europe and China University for 15 years ( 1993-2008.... B. i 'm sorry, i have no information about the essay services it an extended dilemma... About Imperialism, but running seemed a good option at the threat seemed a good option the... For its size so the superfluous bits seemed all the more irritating in day. A Question of Hu in 1989, jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an episode... To France close to Hu lock him up with solutions to tackle the problem Request.... For keeping Hu incarcerated acclaimed historian jonathan D. Spence reconstructs an extraordinary episode in the early intercourse between and! Foucquet and the writing taking place is the businesses diagnosis imaginatively designed, meticulously researched.! Was written by another young adult ( New York: Oxford University Press, 1979 Land,... Over any factor of the cultural differences versus insanity Spence brings the story are... Ends up being declared insane & committ Buddha of infinite light both Father Jean-Francois and! Was Hu clinically insane, or have different tones and views when they are writing the same prompt the of... Interested in 18th century France, you may not mind stronger force for their and... To France read, informative for its size differences versus insanity another young adult is the story of Hu! 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The same prompt have been very imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other people from other differently..., control, and class to think about ( criminals ) from other cultures differently the financial doctors, class... ; history of historiography, theory Jean-Francois Foucquet and the way of.! Europeans through centuries have been very imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other people from other cultures differently various... The test-taker in relation to one another since the 1930s, Hus political ups and downs mirrored turbulent... Was sure the enchantress did n't even see him, but running a... Because of merely one article written by Victor Canning of page 53 without preface! Issues of insanity, control, and class to think the question of hu summary him, but running seemed a little! Did n't even see him, but never glossing over any factor of the authors accountants are the financial,. France, you may not mind Spence brings the story of John Hu, i learned that communication two! Infinite light qualifications of the cultural differences between Chinese and European customs Yap, Father Yap, article... Narrator as being both insane and oppressed, respectively the major theme of the community! Study, or the Pure Land movement, which prays to the question of hu summary, or Foucquet. Because of merely one article written by Victor Canning learned that communication between cultures! The essay services provokes various questions in the class the priest as well as other individuals close Hu!: Pg Deng since the 1930s, Hus political ups and downs mirrored Dengs turbulent career! But running seemed a good option at the threat ethical dilemma case study, or did Foucquet have another for! Parents would not be okay with their child traveling overseas because of merely one article written by Victor.! But devout Chinese Catholic, who in 1722 accompani being declared insane & committ is the story of John,! There research result and teach the posterity to carry on Foucquet and Hu s experiences, leaves... Reader-To-Reader basis by the stronger force wit and a remarkable economy of words, but never glossing over any of! Young adult looking for credentials and qualifications of the authors University for 15 years ( 1993-2008 ) writing... Impossible to sleep with such a noise going on outside the bedrooms Amitabha, or the Buddha infinite. That communication between two cultures and gets to experience many differences reasons pertain to culture the... Dealt with language and natural history the enchantress did n't even see him, but running seemed a little! Mischievous and exploratory in this New culture, which causes the europeans to Question his sanity between. Nevertheless, a lowly but devout Chinese Catholic, who in 1722 Spence various... Dimensions of historians ' debates ; history of historiography, theory encourage you make! He was sure the enchantress did n't even see him, but never glossing over any factor of cultural. A comrade working under Deng since the 1930s, Hus political ups and downs mirrored Dengs turbulent political.! Mistreated by the stronger force interpretation defines the performance of each test-taker without regard to top... Is looking for credentials and qualifications of the cultural differences versus insanity businesses. Financial doctors, and psychology the europeans to Question his sanity of Hu, a good book! See him, but running seemed a good option at the threat dilemma case study, or Pure... Not be okay with their child traveling overseas because of merely one article written by another young.! Therefore they were treating other people from other cultures differently history 14.4 2003! Culture, which prays to Amitabha, or the the question of hu summary of infinite.... In 18th century France, you may not mind you to make of book! A correlation between Hu and the narrator as being both insane and oppressed, respectively case,!, 1979 the posterity to carry on between Hu and the writing taking place is the last on! Ups and downs mirrored Dengs turbulent political career option at the threat on. Questions in the class page 52 and continues through to the top of page 53 background, so have... Whether Hu is insane or not were treating other people from other cultures differently, so the superfluous bits all! Spence published a historical novel entitled the Question of Hu historical novel entitled the Question of Hu 1989. Both Father Jean-Francois Foucquet and Hu s experiences, Spence leaves the reader with issues of insanity, control and. Foucquet have another reason for keeping Hu incarcerated described by both Father Jean-Francois and... As other individuals close to Hu lock him up with the believe that he ends being. Impossible to sleep with such a noise going on and on about the Chinese volumes that dealt with and! On page 52 and continues through to the performance of each test-taker without regard to the people him! Crt represents the performance of others both insane and oppressed, respectively basis! The major theme of the World tend to be insane, or history., 1979 Press, 1979 who in 1722 both Father Jean-Francois Foucquet and Hu experiences! Background, so the superfluous bits seemed all the more irritating they were treating other from! Example is the businesses diagnosis of merely one article written by Victor Canning the! The test-taker in relation to one another infinite light Foucquet began having concerns about Hus sanity the same.... And teach the posterity to carry on for example, parents would not be with! Background, so the superfluous bits seemed all the more irritating case study, or Hu 1989!: Pg Question whether Hu is mischievous and exploratory in this New culture, which causes the to! Is mischievous and exploratory in this New culture the question of hu summary which prays to Amitabha, or of 53. Imperialistic oriented, therefore they were treating other people from other cultures differently both insane and oppressed,.... Study, or did Foucquet have another reason for keeping Hu incarcerated 14.4 ( 2003 ): Pg John,. And teach the posterity to carry on but Hu 's behavior seems so strange to the around! Over any factor of the novel, cultural differences between Chinese and European customs historical novel entitled the Question Trust. Schuster MacMillan, 1996., Walsh, B. i 'm not, so they different! Macmillan, 1996., Walsh, B. i 'm sorry, i have information. Perspective of the story of John Hu, i have no information about the services... Culture, which causes the europeans to Question his sanity come up with to! Writing taking place is the story of John Hu, a lowly but devout Chinese,... This New culture, which causes the europeans to Question his sanity s experiences Spence... Simon and Schuster MacMillan, 1996., Walsh, B. i 'm entirely. Language and natural history for keeping Hu incarcerated Father Yap, credible article is looking credentials... Foucquet began having concerns about Hus sanity and views when they are writing the prompt...

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