The angry kettle

This lesson plan is based on the short story 'The angry kettle' by Ding Xiaoqi, from Maidenhome published in 1993 by Hyland House, Melbourne, in association with Monash Asia Institute, Melbourne, pp 193-96.

Learning areas
In relation to English - a Curriculum Profile for Australian Schools, this lesson can contribute to all strands.

Level
Years 9-10

Outline
Students read the story 'The angry kettle' and complete related activities.

Studies of Asia emphases
Major emphasis: Considering likely implications of closer Asia-Australia relationships

Curriculum context
This story would complement others which feature people who could be described as eccentric. It can also be seen as dealing with cultural misunderstandings or differences and could complement other literature which has similar themes.

Duration
One or two class sessions, plus extension activities.

Materials required
Students will require access to copies of 'The angry kettle'. It is available in a number of anthologies including Manh, E 1998, Sharing Fruit: An Anthology of Asian and Australian Writing, Curriculum Corporation, Carlton, Vic.
You can also view and print the story here: 'The angry kettle'.

Procedure

1. Have students read the story individually.
2. Clarify any unfamiliar vocabulary.

Discussion

1. What is the source of tension in this relationship, apart from the kettle? Ask students to provide examples to support their answers.
2. What kind of person is Michael? What kind of person is the narrator?
3. How can we describe the relationship between the narrator and Michael?
4. What do the two people not understand about each other?
5. Why is the kettle 'angry' in the title of the story?

Writing tasks
Students might choose one or more of the following tasks:

1. As Michael, write a justification of your behaviour in the story.
2. A kettle is usually associated with the comfort of shared refreshments and conversation. Describe the role of the kettle in this story.
3. After the end of the story, Michael might write a letter to the narrator. Write Michael's letter.
4. Choose three short examples of dialogue from the story. Use these examples to discuss the way the author uses dialogue, and its effect.
5. What effect does the last sentence of the story have on the reader? Why?

Extension activities

1. Write your own story about having to share someone else's prized possession.
2. Interview someone who has come to Australia from another country. Tell them the story of 'The angry kettle' and ask them whether they had similar experiences. Try to find out what else they found difficult in Australia.
3. Compare 'The angry kettle' with other literature by people who have come to Australia from another country.

(These writing tasks and extension activities are also available as a student sheet.)

Related Resources
Manh, E 1998, Sharing Fruit: An Anthology of Asian and Australian Writing, Curriculum Corporation, contains other contemporary texts by people from China who live in Australia.
Bott, B, Grafton, L, Millard, C & Trevaskis, D 1998, Reflections: Texts from Asia for the Middle Secondary English Classroom, Curriculum Corporation, contains a range of texts from China and other parts of Asia.