Lessons from my School Years by Ray Wing-Lun

1. There is a stark contrast created in the opening of this story between what the narrator had been doing before entering school and what will be expected at school? What is this contrast and what does it immediately create in the story?

Before he went to school he helped out at his parents fruit shop and at school they expect to teach you how to work but he was already learning that at home.

2. The author continues this theme of contrast at the start of the story. How does he do this in his description of his experience of Sydney’s North Shore?

He describes the North Shore as his parents fruit shop as he didn't see anything else as a kid.

3. What was the father’s background in business before he opened the fruit shop? What has helped him become successful?

He didn't have any background in business before the fruit shop. He became successful because he was kind to the customers and talked to them.

4. The narrator’s description of his father is complex. What makes the father a complex character?

His father is complex because he is trying so hard at his job. He is the one talking to the customers, he is the one unloading the truck and he is the one doing the accounting. He also is a person that must have modern stuff so he gets it.

5. (91) How does the author describe his role in doing ‘things that counted’?

He believes that he wasn't able to do the things that counted.

6. What experience does the author have at school while keeping to himself? What does he learn from this experience?

While keeping to himself he is attacked by a bully. When he comes out alright and actually "wins" he learns that he can look after himself no matter what else happens

7. How would you characterise the narrator’s tone in regards to the events that are occurring around him?

He has an almost indifferent tone in regards to the occurrences around him.

8. How does the narrator characterise the ways that one could ‘get the strap’ and ways that one could avoid it?

He characterised it as many ways to get the strap and only a few to avoid it.

9. What event evokes a racist speech to the class by the teacher?

Because he couldn't swim he got a note to not have to participate in the swimming carnival. This makes the teacher say that Chinese people contribute nothing and shouldn't be in the school or the country.

10. What effect did the author’s experience with ‘Strap Happy Jack’ have on him?

He felt invisible, alone and unwanted because of him.

11. What was the one advantage school provided the author?

It taught him to be passionate.

12. What did the author do at his school? What was his motivation for doing it? What did he feel was lacking at school?

He started a workshop program. His motivation was to change the current competitive system. He felt he was lacking discipline.

13. What did the parents want their son to do at school? What did the author fear would happen by obeying his parents?

They wanted to obey the teachers and learn what the teachers wanted. He feared he wouldn't be able to be independent if he did what they said. 

14. At school, what did the author learn about his own type of thinking and how to use it?
He just had to find the right time to use it.