Jade City

Explain the different points of view Ayt Mada and Lan have over jade export. How does each think about this potential source of trade and revenue? How do these different viewpoints relate to the politics of a postcolonial nation?

What tropes from kung-fu and gangster fiction does Fonda Lee use in her depictions of Green Bone culture? How are her depictions of battles influenced by these genres?

How do the three interludes that feature myths from Deitist religion develop Green Bone culture? Why does the novel include these digressions?

Discuss the novel’s approach to Kekon’s political structure, culture of corruption, and interest in how geo-politics actually works. How do the ideals of aisho and clan purpose compare and contrast with the reality of how the clans operate and who controls Kekon’s government?

Examine the Kaul family’s sibling dynamics, both before and after Lan’s death. What role does each sibling play in the family and how do they interact?

Consider prejudice in the novel. Kekonese are biased against stone-eyes and those of lower birth, while other countries have bigoted views about Kekon. How does Lee structure, explain, and explore different kinds of prejudice in her worldbuilding?

Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Hilo and Lan as Pillars. How do their experiences guide them, and how does each succeed or fail?

The characters of Jade City take pride in the display of their jade. Choose two characters and explain how the ways in which they wear their jade represent their character.