Questions About The Windup Girl

by Paolo Bacigalupi (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (10)

I find it very strange that the protector of the queen should attract such reverence from the people, when everybody apparently agree that he is pure evil... In my book that lands him in the hated evil vizier-category, but maybe it's a special Thai-thing?

Daniel Grad Traditionalist Eastern cultures put a lot of emphasis on hierarchy and assigned roles in society. Individual feelings are not as important as in Weste…moreTraditionalist Eastern cultures put a lot of emphasis on hierarchy and assigned roles in society. Individual feelings are not as important as in Western cultures. So even if everyone hates him, they still have to show respect (not in a coercive manner; an individual would feel ashamed for showing any outward sign of their feelings towards the person they're supposed to only show respect for).
But besides all that, I think here "the people" who revere him and "everybody" who know of his reputation are actually two distinct groups. Most characters in the book have connections and access to information that are beyond what most of the population would know. The common people only see his public image and maybe a few have heard some rumors.(less)

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Was I reading too late at night and just miss it... what happened to Kannika?

Lawrence Isn't Kannika the prostitute who tortured the Windup Girl onstage? If so, she just disappears. No explicit revenge is taken on her. I know because I w…moreIsn't Kannika the prostitute who tortured the Windup Girl onstage? If so, she just disappears. No explicit revenge is taken on her. I know because I was expecting it. I think she was a victim, too, and hence her faults were forgiven by the author. (less)

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In chapter 21, which ends with Emiko captured by the White Shirts, we are not told why she is not taken away and mulched. They should have known what she was by her escape method, heat level, and motions. What happened to allow her to escape capture?

Coblin King Bribes. Big ones. In the beginning of Chapter 25 it's explained Raleigh paid the White Shirts. …moreBribes. Big ones. In the beginning of Chapter 25 it's explained Raleigh paid the White Shirts. (less)

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What are cheshires? Cats or rats?

Andy Phillips I always assumed cats, as the Cheshire Cat is from 'Alice in Wonderland'. Their general behaviour and description never made me think otherwise.…moreI always assumed cats, as the Cheshire Cat is from 'Alice in Wonderland'. Their general behaviour and description never made me think otherwise.(less)

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Is this book appropriate for eighth graders? Are the characters ethnically/racially diverse?

S A hard no. Women's roles are few and embarrassingly stereotypical: sex worker, damsel in distress, caretaker. Though there are many Asian characters--…moreA hard no. Women's roles are few and embarrassingly stereotypical: sex worker, damsel in distress, caretaker. Though there are many Asian characters-- it's set in Thailand-- I was disappointed that the narrative centers around White men.(less)

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