Discussion+Questions+Jay

====That Sort of Bear Discussion Questions ====

一. What is the tale of the //stonecutter// and what idea does it convey?

二. Which is more important in life, usefulness or recognizing one’s value? What should one do to make such happen?

三. Do you agree to Hoff’s statement, “The play-it-safe pessimists of the world never accomplish much of anything” (122)? Why or why not? Provide historic or personal examples.

四. The following passage explains the Tiddely-pom principle.

“The more it snows (Tiddely pom), The more it goes (Tiddely pom), The more it goes (Tiddely pom), On snowing” (134) How does the Tiddely-pom principle make Pooh "that sort of bear"?

五. According to Hoff, “the things we need are there already; all we have to do is make use of them.”(124). Is this always true? Elaborate.

六. Do we see a lot of “Tz’u” or, “caring” and “compassion”(128), in today’s modern society? Why or why not?

七. Why does pooh have so many shoes in his closet in which he does not need? What does Hoff’s imply about happiness and importance with this story?

八. How this quote relates to the Taoist view of human nature? “Wisdom, Happiness, and Courage are not waiting somewhere out beyond sight at the end of a straight line; they’re part of a continuous cycle that begins right here”(137).

九. Hoff claims that in order for one to be happy, one should appreciate what one has. And to be miserable, one should be discontented. What type of historical settings would have given birth for this philosophy? Why?

十. What might have made Pooh so special that he received Christopher Robin’s gift? Predict with reasons.



Picture Cited: - __P10a__. __The China Post__. 3 Mar. 2009 .