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Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
The theme of identity is very prevailent in this story. Du and Asia are trying to americanize themselfs because they see how different they are. They notice how the storys of he culture that exists in their home country make the Iowans uncomfortable so they try not to tell them. They change their identity in a way to fit in. This explains Du's collection.

Jasmine Chapter 1 & 2
1- I believe Jasmine was born into a very religous culture in a third world country. The astrologist told her something about her future that she obviously did not want to beleve. I do not think that Jasmine agrees with everything about her religion, like astrology. Her sisters see her scar and feel sad that it will most likely make the process of finding her a husband more difficult. Jasmine calls it her "Third eye."

2- At first the Iowans were confused about Jasmines culture at first it seems but eventually they started accepting her differences as they learned more about her and they enjoyed her food very much.

3- Once the Iowans started accepting Jasmine's "otherness," it was interesting to them. They try not to put her in awkward situations and always jump at the chance to eat her food.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
I think that identity is the overall theme of the story as of right now. Jasmine and Du are doing things that they see the Americans doing, so they try to include themselves by doing similar things. At the same time of trying to cultivate this new culture they are not forgetting about their past morals. Although it may be difficult for them to be brought into a new type of society they have been socially accepted by the others in the community. Du had found his American identity from the point where he had to use a dictionary and now he doesn’t even use it because he speaks perfect English. He also collects things throughout the story because he sees that other people around him collect things too, so he tries to fit in.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
Identity and belonging play a major role in this story. All of the characters are just trying to fit in within their society. Jasmine has worked hard to forget her past and move on with her new life in America. She goes by the name Jane and has basically given up all the customs of her culture. Jasmine’s adopted sun Du is also trying to be long. He collects everything because that is how Americans are; materialistic. He also learned English very quickly. He no longer carries his dictionary around. He also adopted a new name-Yogi. Both of these characters are trying to become American-ized. Darrel, on the other hand, was born in America. He has worked on a farm all his life. His father recently died and now he is trying to decide what is right for him. He wants to see the farm and turn it in to a golf course or something. He does not want to give up his father’s land, but he also does not want to be farming his whole life. His mom moved to California and in a sense he is all alone. He is desperately trying to make the right decision.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
America is essentially a melting pot full of multiple races integrating into “our” culture and Americanizing. Jasmine and Du are both foreign to this country, and have both worked to create an American identity that they can share with the other people of Iowa. However, in order for them to belong they have to sacrifice; inevitably they must change some parts about themselves so they can better fit in with the rest of society. Sometimes these changes are miniscule, but others can be monumental. Du which was pronounced “Yo” was altered into Yogi by Du’s classmates, and Bud calls Jasmine “Jane” (An example of Jasmine’s longing to belong is when she refers to how she would love to become “Plain Jane”). Customs, rituals, and cultures; all must be altered so they can “belong.”
Darrel is in a slightly different situation than his two foreign friends. After his father died he was thrust into the farming business. He now has to care for the animals, tend the crops, and try to keep his sanity. While he has been forced to adjust to this massive lifestyle change, he is unable to get a loan from Bud to bring some of his farming ideas to life, and he is facing offers for his land to be bought so there could be a golf course created on what used to be his property. What is Darrel suppose to do when he is somewhat backed into a corner at the moment? This predicament is definitely going to cause some ruckus later on the in the book.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
A huge theme in the story is identity for these people. Some people possess the identity of a “normal” American with every day struggles. Du for example is trying to become more like an American. He has picked up some hobbies that are Americanizing him, and has been hanging out with friends. Jasmine does not really seem to let on about her true identity. She just tries her best to act American. I think though that both Du and Jasmine are just hiding their true identities.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
I think the book’s theme is based on identity and how some of the characters struggle in finding their identity. Both Jasmine and Du come to America and it is hard for them to find their place in a new country. Eventually they come to find their place in a new country by learning more about it. For example, Du learned English. Over time they start to find their identities and blend in with the people in their new country.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
In Jasmine, Du and Jasmine are becoming more used to the lifestyles in America. Du has been fluent in English for awhile now, and he is becoming more intertwined with what Iowans do. He is a big monster truck fan and loves to watch television. One identity of himself that he did not lose is cherishing what he has. He was used to having to keep everything in order to survive, and now that he is in America with many items, he will not throw them away. He hordes everything he has. Jasmine fits in well with the family, but is struggling a little with the identity other people are giving her. They are now calling her Jane instead of Jasmine. I feel this would happen to anybody that has struggled previously in life, and to have made such a drastic change in lifestyle. Darrel is an example of a person who struggles with his identity and is from America. He does not want to be a farmer, rather he wants to sell his land and create a golf course. I feel that he is partially doing this in honor of his father, not for himself.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
In Jasmine, Du and Jasmine are becoming more used to the lifestyles in America. Du has been fluent in English for awhile now, and he is becoming more intertwined with what Iowans do. He is a big monster truck fan and loves to watch television. One identity of himself that he did not lose is cherishing what he has. He was used to having to keep everything in order to survive, and now that he is in America with many items, he will not throw them away. He hordes everything he has. Jasmine fits in well with the family, but is struggling a little with the identity other people are giving her. They are now calling her Jane instead of Jasmine. I feel this would happen to anybody that has struggled previously in life, and to have made such a drastic change in lifestyle. Darrel is an example of a person who struggles with his identity and is from America. He does not want to be a farmer, rather he wants to sell his land and create a golf course. I feel that he is partially doing this in honor of his father, not for himself.

Reading Assignment for Monday, April 11
Identity is obviously a huge part in this story. Many of the characters have very similar identities but yet each still has their very own unique style. Some even are trying to make new identies for themselves in their new lives in America in hopes of becoming more "American".