China Rich Girlfriend

Compare the various levels of “rich” in the novel and discuss what each implies. Eleanor suggests that while the Youngs might be rich, the Baos are China rich. What does she mean by that? What, alternatively, is meant by the term HENRY—High Earner, Not Rich Yet? Explain what these different gradations of wealth are used to indicate, and what they mean to certain characters using specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Discuss self-fashioning and the Importance of Image and Status as it appears in the novel. Colette and Eddie are characters who are extremely conscious about appearance, while Kitty is attempting to remake herself in an image that will be more acceptable to Hong Kong society. Bernard is another example of someone who has refashioned himself from the obnoxious playboy who appeared in Crazy Rich Asians. What intersections does the novel explore between image, appearance, and self-fashioning?

In keeping with the theme of conspicuous consumption, examine the items that certain characters use to indicate their wealth, taste, or level of culture. Do you see orders of importance within these displays? Do you see the novel as making an argument either for or against this kind of behavior? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Consider China Rich Girlfriend as a social satire and discuss how it explores, employs, and contradicts stereotypes of Asians. Note in particular where you see silent or overt comparisons of Asia and Europe or Asia and the US What does the novel make of these comparisons? What conclusions can you draw?

Note the novel’s efforts to educate the reader on the history of certain parts of Singapore or China and recent developments, particularly economic growth. Do your own research on the history of a city or country of your choice that is mentioned in the book and consider the recent developments of this area. What does your research say about the factors driving this new wealth, and what does the novel have to say about the ways that wealth is used? What might Kevin Kwan be suggesting with his particular portrayal?

Examine the different social classes that are acknowledged in the novel and their relationship to money. The old-money families, for instance, hold a certain attitude toward the newly rich (which often equates to a resistance between islanders and what they call Mainlanders). At the same time, as demonstrated by Colette, both the old and new money families hold a shared attitude toward the common or peasant people. Make an argument, based on evidence from the novel, as to the role these class distinctions play in a modern world.

Read the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy and make an argument for what you think all three books, put together, are ultimately saying about their shared themes of wealth, display, class competition, and modern Asia. What values, lifestyle, or culture do you see the trilogy as ultimately endorsing, if any? What might Kwan be trying to achieve with his portrait of the distinctions between class and culture among these locales, as well as his representations of the multi-culturalism, global lifestyles, and various prejudices, traditions, and trends the novels explore?

Analyze the heterogeneity of the Asian experience introduced in the book. Kerry Chu and, to some extent, Rachel represent the immigrant experience, while Nick could be considered an expat living abroad. Kitty and the Bings come from rural China, while the Baos are attempting to climb the political ladder. Astrid, in comparison, with her ease of movement between cultural centers, represents a more global lifestyle. What might Kwan be exploring with these various experiences? Do you see a value judgment at work? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.