Read the story “The Five Chinese Brothers” (a Chinese
folktale retold by Claire Huchet Bishop). Answer the
questions below.
Observation/Recall
1. Why was the first brother arrested? Do you think it was fair?
2. How did the other brothers help the first brother?
3. How does the story end? Who was the only one without a
happy ending? Why?
Analysis/Interpretation
4. Why do you think the author gave each brother a special
talent or superhuman power?
5. Why did the judge let each brother go back home each
time?
6. What virtues (good moral qualities) was the author trying to
encourage?
Making Connections
7. What elements of Confucian ideals do you see in the story?
8. What elements of Daoism do you see in the story?
9 What elements of Legalism do you see in the story?
10. Was the author critical of any of the three Chinese
philosophies: Confucianism, Daoism, or Legalism? Explain.