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| Film still from Ang Lee's Lust, Caution (2007) based on Eileen Chang's short story photo credit: Amazon.com |
Please respond to Eileen Chang's
"Lust, Caution" and YAN Geling's The Flowers of War (Part I required
Part II recommended) in two well-written short paragraphs. Write them in the
style of a mini-essay, complete with concise analysis of short quotes (with page
numbers) to support your central argument.
Post your response as a comment here on our class
blog by Wednesday 10/23 at 8 pm and your comments to two
other responses by 10 pm . Your “talking point” about the readings with name and date will be
due at the beginning of classes as usual. Enjoy reading and writing!
Eileen Chang’s “Lust, Caution” and Yan Geling’s “The Flowers of War” both highlight, subtly and openly, on the prevalence of chauvinism in their male characters, and the contempt that the female characters have for their male counterparts. In “Lust, Caution,” on page 36, Chia-chih thinks:
ReplyDelete“The English say that power is an aphrodisiac. She didn’t know whether this was true; she herself was entirely oblivious to its attractions. They also say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; that a man will fall easy prey to a woman who can cook.” (36)
She then mentions a philosopher who had supported the idea of male polygamy with the phrase: “A teapot is always surrounded by more than one cup” (36). Chia-chih seemed disgusted by these ideas, and quite indifferent. Throughout the story, we find her aware of her ability to seduce her male counterparts (specifically, Mr. Yee), but find her separated from the idea of love completely, seeing that she had never felt it (37) from a man. Furthermore, Chang, herself, portrays Mr. Yee with contempt with the following excerpt: “But now that he had enjoyed the love of a beautiful woman, he could die happy – without regret…And now he possessed her utterly, primitively – as a hunter does his quarry, a tiger his kill. Alive, her body belonged to him; dead, she was his ghost.” (46). Chia-chih had become a sport to Mr. Yee, and nothing more.
In Yan Geling’s “The Flowers of War,” one excerpt grabbed my attention: “She had the sense that this blood had turned her flesh into fertile soil, a place where any demon could implant a seed which could put forth shoots and bear fruit” (5). Shujuan knows that she is becoming a woman and is associating that with the danger that man (“demon”) will try to use her so that he can “bear fruit.” The prostitutes, along with the priest’s negative attitude towards housing the girls and, most definitely, the prostitutes, may be a symbolism of how men viewed women in society at that time: worthless.
I couldn't understand the real meaning when Eileen Chan put this sentence “A teapot is always surrounded by more than one cup” in this book.
DeleteI guess this is a symbolic for the relationship of a man and women in that time. She always use the the metaphor for normal things. And the most famous is that, “Life is dressed in colorful robes, the top covered with lice.”
DeleteI don't think that all the male characters are chauvinistic. Mr. Yee may have been using Chia-chih, but it isn't like she had pure intentions either. He was under the impression that she was just after his money/power, however her true motives were a bit worse.
DeleteIn "The Flowers of War", I believe that Shujuan is probably referring to the Japanese soldiers who were raping and slaughtering women all over the city, as opposed to men in general. I also do not think that looking down on prostitutes is the same as looking down on all women.
Your mention on "The Flowers of War" is great. Tying in a quote along with the central theme of showing how women were seen as "worthless" was spot on. Great job as always Tyler.
DeleteI think it means that men power still control women. women have lot of limitation to do even the things seems ordinary and normal amoung men.
DeleteThis is a great response, I think that you understand the concepts well. I think you hit on the powers of men and women and how they vary well.
DeleteEileen Chang is one of the most outstanding writer in China. She’s most famous fictions include “Lust, Caution” and “Love in a Fallen City”. In Eileen Chang’s “Lust,Caution”, she showed deep understanding of men and women relation. For example, Eileen Chang wrote in the fiction:“The English say that power is an aphrodisiac. She didn’t know whether this was true; she herself was entirely oblivious to its attractions. They also say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach; that a man will fall easy prey to a woman who can cook.” (p36) Eileen Chang showed Chia-chih’s mixed feelings by using brief words, she also showed the relationship between men and women very realistic. Eileen Chang always depicts character’s image very exactly and careful, just like she depicted Chia-chih’s complicated heart, and this why I like her fictions.
ReplyDeleteIn Yan Geling’s “The Flowers of War”, I think the most touching part is Yumo said “ we will go with Japanese, the school girls will stay behind.” Yumo and other prostitutes knew what will happen If they went to Japanese party, but they still insist went with Japanese because in this way they could save those school girls. They were so brave and dedicated. Their power is limited, but in a way they fought with enemy like real soldiers.
I agree with you. These women were so brave and dedicated. They tried their best to struggle with enemies, and save those school girls.
DeleteI liked how you said "They fought with enemy like real soldiers." They were very brave and courageous is taking the school girls place for the Japanese soldiers. They fought for their country in a different way than Chia-Chih in Lust, Caution.
DeleteI was also touched by Yumo, she is a hooker with education, but she decided to protect the students firstly. Yes her social occupation is low, but her soul is much more lofty than the people who may have the higher occupation.
DeleteI like your claim of how Chang depicts her characters in a very real way; it is also apparent that she does an amazing job of leaving the character up to the interpretation of the reader, giving just enough info to get a good idea of where they are at, but not telling you too much (very post-modern is some ways). However, because of this she can be very emotionally separated from her characters at times.
DeleteI agree with "Their power is limited, but in a way they fought with enemy like real soldiers". They are not afraid of dead to save these schoolgirls, their spirit is worth praising
DeleteI also like how you said "but in a way they fought with enemy like real soldiers." They fought like soldiers, but they didn't need any guns to make the sacrifice that they made.
DeleteThe Second Sino-Japanese War was a military struggled between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan from 1937 to 1941. Two novels are both set during this time period. Lust, Caution was written by Chinese writer Eileen Chang, and it talked about a young student named Wong Chia Chi has agreed to assassinate a Japanese collaborator, Mr. Yee. However, she fell in love with Mr. Yee, and betrayed her revolutionary ideals. She said softly, “Run”. For a moment he stared, and then understood everything. (pp. 39) “Run”, that solitary word made Mr. Yee understand everything, three letters made her betrayed her comrades, and her revolutionary ideals. In the end of the novel, Wong and her comrades were died, and killed by Mr.Yee. If she didn’t say “Run”, the ending of the novel will be changed, and her comrades will be alive.
ReplyDelete“The Flowers of War” described the fact happened in 1937 which is the Nanking Massacre. Thirteen whores used their own lives to save female students. They were looked down upon during that time period. “Ah Gu! Take those girls away. They mustn’t see these women!” (pp.7) Deacon Fabio Adornato came hurrying out of the church building, shouting at the women:” get out! We’re not taking in refugees!” (pp.8) Those evidences can improve that people dislike this kind of women. China has an old proverb that is money says everything to a bitch. However, I think those women object this sentence, and they are the typically personages of righteousness and courageous people.
I think this should be tragic ending when Wang realize that she felt in love and most women will be trapped in love.
DeleteI agree with your opinion. Although '13 Flowers of Nanjing" were prostitutes, their courage showed their noble side.
DeleteI agree. The name "prostitute" gives people a negative feeling. I think this name was purposely given to these girls in the story to create some sort of irony.
DeleteProstitutes in China mostly give people a negative image. But in " the flowers of war" , it showed us prostitutes also have a brave heart to sacrifice themselves to save others.
DeleteI support you idea that women in NanKing Massacre were considered as commodity. Even the female students were dislike by people. However, they still have righteousness.
DeleteLike people said prostitute give us a negative impression. But as Chinese they all have full of patriotism. They are brave and selfless when we facing the enemies. I think that is the point author try to show us.
DeleteEileen Chan is one of the most influent writer in modern China. Most her literature focused on dealing with the relation between men and women at the background during the war time. Her most famous work including Lust, Caution and Love in Fallen City. Compare to Love in Fallen City, Lust, Caution is more tragic than that. But tragic ending leave a deep impression for the audience.
ReplyDeleteIn this story, there is no suspense that Wang Chia Chi would fall in love with Yee. Under the background of the second Sino-Japanese War, everyone was eager to make a contribution to their country. But before being a patriotic fighter, they are human beings who have feelings and emotion such as Chinese proverb Qi Qing Liu Yu (emotions and desire). Human nature was shown in this story incisively and vividly. Wang Chia Chi betrayed her country at that time must be blamed, but actually, who can define whether she was right or wrong. If everyone face a choice like this, there is no one can guarantee that you will definitely not betray your country. So I think what Wang Chia Chi has done is understandable due to the human nature. In the film Lust, Caution, the scene of Wang’s singing was impressed. Wang said, “The reason you bring me here is that you want me to be your whore.” Yee said, “I know more than you to be a whore here”. The place was a Japanese tavern so I think this imply that Yee feel sad about himself and it was the first time that he have real emotion in his face. As a traitor, he had to be cruel and cautionary and this was the reason that he have no face expression all the time. This scene looks sad and sympathetic even he was a bad guy. Actually, I think the theme in this story and film is not to criticize which kind of people is good or bad. Every character in it have a tragic side.
I like your point that Mr. Yee felt sad about himself and it was the first time that he have real emotion in his face in Japanese tavern. I think no person wants to as a traitor all the time. Traitors cannot believe any person, and no sense of security about surroundings. They will unhappy in their whole life.
DeleteI liked your comment about how every one in "Lust, Caution" had a tragic side. While reading, Mr. Yee shows no facial emotion. I wonder how she could fall in love with a man like this. But she is not innocent herself. Her intentions mean well, trying to kill a Japanese spy for her country, but her tragic character flaw was falling in love with a traitor.
DeleteI think she sympathized him rather than loved him. She realized that he isn't as bad as others said he was. By getting to know him better, she realized that he isn't happy and lives a sad life.
DeleteI like your point of how Chia-Chih is a human being before she is a revolutionist. However, I want to note that I was completely surprised by her falling in love with Mr. Yee. She seemed so indefferent towards love and towards attraction, in general. I was truly hoping that the assassination would have went through; it would have been a pretty cool edition to the story (but I'm not the writer).
DeleteI really like your quote from the movie, I think it is a very bold line from Chia-chih. The scene is very powerful when Chia-chih is almost testing him to seeing if he had real emotions for her and at the same time coming to terms with her feelings for him.
DeleteI also like you said this scene, it touched me. In this day and age people are not right or wrong choice is not the same, get are not the same. But people are miserable.
Delete“Lust, Caution”, written by Eileen Chang, is an amazing story surrounding 6 students of theatre that try to take down one of the Japanese spies, Mr. Yee. Young Chia-Chih decides to become the mistress of Mr. Yee and make him fall in love with her. Little did she know, at the same time she was falling in love with him. When they finally have their one chance to assassinate Mr. Yee in the jewelry store, Chia-Chih realizes she loves him and tells him to “Go, now.” He immediately knows what is going on. Before Chia-Chih and her accomplices are murdered, he contemplates saving her on page 44, “He had heard of read somewhere that all spies are brothers; that spies can feel a loyalty to one another stranger that the causes that divide them.” He loved her. It was his first true love and if he could have spared her he would have. Through sex, violence and history surrounding Japan and China at the time, this story shows the love the people of China had for their country. They all died together for their country while Mr. Yee is a traitor that stands by himself.
ReplyDelete“The Flowers of War” takes place in 1937, when Japan invades China, and the Japanese Imperial Army overruns China's capital city, Nanjing, creating the Nanking massacre. During this invasion, school girls fled to the Roman Catholic cathedral. While hiding out here away from the Japs, twelve prostitutes stumble upon the church in need for hiding. The priest of the church allows them to stay and one night when the school girls try to commit suicide by jumping over the wall, the priest has an idea for the prostitutes to take the place of the school girls. There were only twelve prostitutes and the Japanese guards knew there were 13 school girls so the dead priest's adoptive son volunteers as well. They cut their hair and dress them up in make up like the school girls. They make weapons and hide them under their cloaks. The story ends with the "13 Flowers of Nanjing" being led away by the Japanese soldiers and the school girls getting away in a truck. The prostitutes sacrifice their lives to save the lives of the school girls.
I agree with your opinion, and I think "13 Flowers of Nanjing" were brave because they wanted to sacrificing their own lives in order to save that school girls. Not everyone has such courage.
DeleteI agree that the Chinese truely loved their country, although Chia-Chih's love might have gone further than that as she chose to save Mr. Yee even though that had a negative affect on the group's plan to help China.
DeleteGreat courage and great sacrifice lead to great works. This is what the 6 students attempted at in "Lust, Caution" and what the prostitutes performed allowing the young school girls to escape.
DeleteThe "13 Flowers of Nanjing" and Wang Jiazhi have some common in this two novel. They were used their own life and body to complete their mission.
DeleteBoth "Lust, Caution" and “The Flowers of War” are talk about the women during the war time. Wang Chia-Chih and Yu Mo represent the different sets of women in China at that time. Wang Chia-Chih represents the girl students who are influenced by western culture and new thought. Yu Mo represents the traditional and lower social status women more. Facing the invaders, both of them have strong patriotic feeling and try their best to save the country.
DeleteThis is another great response, the readings both have common themes and in your response you tie them together well.
DeleteIn Lust, Caution, we could see that during the Second Sino-Japanese War, those young students, with their burning desires, frantically joined into the patriotic activities and had no fear to sacrifice themselves. They planned to assassinate the traitor Mr. Yi by the honey trap. Wong Jiazhi, the main actress, found herself fall in love with the “target” while Mr. Yi was picking the ring for her. She protected her love but betrayed her comrades. That's weird but could be the most interesting point I guess. Everything was weird during the war including love, passion, and the mission. Mr. Yi was suppose to be a cold and ruthless role, but the tears in his eyes when he heard the shot in the room where the woman used to stay rejected it. Yi seemed to have something to say before he closed the door, but nothing was coming out.
ReplyDeleteIn Flowers of War, after Nanking was fired down, the only “shelter” or “safe” house left in land was the western church. At the very beginning, the man changed his clothes to become a priest and believed that he could save the girls because Japanese always declared that they belonged to the western civilized nations. That's a joke in the war. Priests or churches could not save anything from those Japanese soldiers.
Prostitutes were despised in society and they called themselves “whores” as well.
We saw that schoolgirls did not even want to talk to those women at the beginning. That's really something woefully. I thought the author used “13 flowers” to describe those women, not only because they sacrificed themselves and successfully saved those schoolgirls, but also because they at least knew that those schoolgirls did not have to become the prostitutes to this war. We felt the fear, the inner fight among those women before they made the decision, but finally we saw the beautiful humanity and their brave only.
I liked that you pointed out that even though the Japanese considered themselves part of the West, the Westerners couldn't stop them or protect people within the Western church, which was very sad.
DeleteIt is interesting that Yan Geling shows how the "innocent" schoolgirls could be cruel and how the "immoral" prostitutes could be selfless.
DeleteI agree with your last point. While it is the world's oldest profession, it has never been a popular one anywhere. during these times, the gei6's (or ji for the mainlanders) of society were often looked upon with disgust and rejection.
DeleteEileen Chang’s short story, “Lust, Caution” sparked a discussion among Chinese politics and morality that continued after the release of Ang Lee’s film in 2007. The main character, Chia-chih, is struggling between staying true to her patriotism or succumbing to her growing passion for the traitor she is plotting to kill. In Yan Geling’s “Flowers of War,” the Japanese invade Nanjing and many are trapped in a cathedral, including schoolgirls, which catch the eye of Japanese soldiers. Through deception, the girls escape by switching with thirteen others who take their place.
ReplyDeleteThemes such as the role of women, love, authority, and passion control much of the debate. The interpretation of the story in “Lust, Caution” and its motives can be contrasted greatly through the lens in which it is read, whether understood with political motives or a portrayal of the human condition. Does Chia-chih become a traitor in choosing her passion for the Japanese sympathizer or does she maintain in control by her moral sense in being true to her heart? “But even he was impressed by how elaborately, how far in advance-two years- the entire trap had been premeditated. The preparations had, indeed, been so perfectly thorough that only a last minute change of heart on the part of his female fatale had saved him. So she really had loved him – his first true love. What a stroke of luck” (Chang 44). Although Chia-chih is controlling the situation by manipulating the traitor’s passion, her control is questioned by his cruel lack of feeling. Similarly, in “Flowers of War,” the worth of women is undermined. Although under war conditions, suicide is thwarted and women have complete lack of control over their own fate being viewed as pawns in a game. The presence of absence of passion in the male characters in both stories determines the ultimate fate of the women in the story. This is displayed by the lack of feeling on the traitor’s part and his cruel consequences for Chia-chih in “Lust, Caution” and the view of women as objects by the Japanese in “Flowers of War.” Although female roles are changing in modern China, males still maintain the superior authority.
Multiple themes were presented in each reading and you seemed to really understand how each work was trying to convey them. Your knowledge of the readings are obviously shown through your mention of these themes. Great job
DeleteThe short story "Lust, Caution" is written by one of the most famous writers in China, Eileen Chang describes a female student in Hong Kong, Chia-chih, under the influence of the drama club, decided to spy for the country to fight for the traitor, Mr. Yee. However, as her performance as Mrs. Mai, she fell in love with Mr.Yee and finally let him go. After Mr.Yee's escaping, he abandoned Chia-chih and went back to the Mabjong table. "Flowers of War" written by Geling Yan is the story during the period of Nanking Massacre in the second Sino-Japanese War. Thirteen Hookers hidden in the church with a class of girl students. In order to protect these students, the hookers decided to instead the students to performance in the celebration of the Japanese Army.
ReplyDeleteBoth of the novels are moved on the screen by two famous directors and won a huge box office. Both of the directors are telling the story of Chinese people, especially female Chinese people, who were fighting with Japanese, no matter what form, are still moving. For "Lust, Caution," Chia-chih was a freshman in Hong Kong, but she decided to devote herself to support the country. For "Flowers of War," thirteen hookers in order to protect the students, the hope for the country, performed as students for the Japanese. And it is hard to imagine how miserable when they were caught by Japanese, it's not only the risk to die, but also humiliate, sex abusing. During the time of war, no matter Hong Kong or Nanking, can be a safe place for normal people. The destinies for the women are decided to be a tragedy. The difference is that, Yan paid more attention to the lower class, the hookers, and the conflicts between students and hookers, which are more shocking to some extent. But for Chang, she focused more on emotion part, the love under spying of Chia-chih. As the writer herself, she is more like a specter in the novel, standing out of the story but let the readers think themselves.
I have same idea with you. I think Eileen actually wrote herself in the story
DeleteYour statement "destinies for women are decided to be tragedy" is very intriguing. I think that to discuss that question in depth, you must ask another question "who decides destiny" and "do men or women, society or individual hold the power to manipulate destiny?"
Delete“Lust Caution” by Eileen Zhang and “The Flowers of War” by Yan Geling are both centered on the role of women during the time when the Japanese invaded China. Throughout China’s history, the role of women has been overlooked. Their status was low and was considered not worthy of any praise. The roles that women had played in these two short stories are worthy of great praise. Their bravery to sacrifice themselves for the good of others have outwit many other men at that time period.
ReplyDeleteIn “Lust Caution”, Chia-Chih took the job of spying on one of the most dangerous man in Shanghai. She was an ordinary schoolgirl participating in the drama club at her school. The author quotes, “She had, in a past life, been an actress; and here she was, still playing a part, but in a drama too secret to make her famous (pg.17).” This refers to the fact that Chia-Chih is acting in her drama club, but will also act in her undercover role to take down Mr. Yee. Her acting in drama club has led her to another acting role in real life. Her bravely and her final decision to let Mr. Yee escape demonstrated that she could make decisions on her own. She was not bounded by her role of taking down Mr. Yee. She made her own choice of letting him go even though that decision might lead to the deaths of many others. The main theme is similar in “The Flowers of War”. Thirteen prostitutes made their own decision to sacrifice themselves to save the children. Their actions contradicted of one would think prostitutes would do.
I agree with you about Chia-Chih's bravery. I don't think that her decision was an act of weakness; it was the first time in the story that she made a decision based upon what she wanted to do.
DeleteI agree with you that the role of women plays an important part in both stories. The action and personality of Chia-Chih reflect the struggle of falling in love with Mr. Yee or saving country.
DeleteWang Chia-chih in "Lust Caution" and Yumo in "The Flowers of War" are different role at the society, they have different social status and backgrounds. But both of them are the victims of the war, they are brave and strong, they sacrifice themselves without protest. Even Wang Chia-Chil fell in love with Mr. Yee and the task failed, I think she is amazing too.
DeleteLust, Caution is an amazing story that shows the power of Chinese dramas. Everyone in the country comes together and shows just how strong they all are. The girl wants to make Mr. Yee fall in love with him and eventually assassinate him. This story shows how powerful love really is and when the time comes to kill Mr. Yee they cannot do it. In the end they all die together and let Mr. Yee stand-alone and die as a traitor. This is a perfect example of the power of the Chinese Spirit.
ReplyDeleteThe flower of war is another story about when Japan invades China and takes over. The story talks about a group of prostitutes who hide in a church ironically. They are allowed to hide there for one night, but a series of events allows them to stay there for a while longer. In the end the school girls get away and the prostitutes sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the school girls. This is another great example of the sacrifice that the Chinese people will do for the greater good. You will never see people like those of the Chinese culture.
Lust, Caution is a extremely interesting piece of writing that tells the story of Chia-Chih and how she uses her acting to trick Mr. Yee into trusting her so that she may help the Chinese lead out a plan for assassination. Chia-Chih inadvertently falls for Mr. Yee, and tells him to run before the assassination can be carried through. Mr. Yee has her and others involved in the plan killed, even though he loved her as well. It is a good story about a strong, intricate character that Chia-Chih plays.
ReplyDeleteThe Flowers of War is based on the historical event of the Nanjing Massacre that occurred in 1937-38 when the Japanese invaded Nanjing and raped and killed around 300,000 people. The story is about a group of school girls who take refuge in a Western church and are joined by prostitutes who are looked down upon, but later end up saving the girls by sacrificing themselves to the Japanese. The story reminded me of my visit to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial and just seeing the horrors that almost seem unreal. A truly sad piece that put the prostitutes in a better life by saving the school girls.
Eileen Chang's novel Lust, Caution, describes the end of 1930, a female educated youth, the embodiment of the assassin, attempts to use honey trap, the assassination of a senior spy camp Wang Mr. Yi story. Wang Jiazhi is the book's heroine, her sexual relationship with Mr. Yi, the successful assassination moment she would let go of Mr. Yi.
ReplyDeleteStory of a woman’s face when selfless love, moths clearly demonstrated. Fall of lust, temptation of diamonds, in front of a woman to love just prove evidence of the existence of love. A woman, a woman longing for love, life will hit such a man, to take into their own lifetime. We can fall in love with Mr. Yi Wang Zhi Wang Zhi in the jewelry store right from Mr. Yi said: "run" can appreciate. (P39) fell in love with Mr. Yi Wang Zhi Wang Zhi we can learn from the Japanese restaurant Mr. Yi singing Finally, Mr. obviousness tears left, I personally feel that this scene was very warm, the warmest place is full, Mr. Yi is a traitor, he cold, cruel, do not believe anyone, the heart is dark, but when they heard Wang Zhi when singing his heart with a trace of light. During this period people's inner world is dark, no one can say who is right, who in order to protect themselves and their families to make choices are not the same, and some people choose to be like Mr. Yi, as some people choose to country selfless.
After reading “ Lust, Caution”, the first expression was that Chia-chih let her and hers friend die because of a pink diamond ring. However, if I were her, I would make the same choice. Ultimately, we are women. We are emotional. Chia-chih loved Mr. Yee. She was suffering when she knew that Mr. Yee would die. This was why she betrayed her mission and friends. Compared with Chia-chih, Mr. Yee was aloof and rational. If he were emotional, he would not kill Chia-chih, at least, he loved Chia-chih. Chia-chih was independent and rational before she met Mr. Yee. She gave up chastity saving China. However, she is still a woman.
ReplyDeleteI seem find Eileen Chang from Chia-chih. Ang lee wrote in the preface, “to me, no writer has ever used Chinese language as cruelly as Zhang Ailing, and no story of hers is as beautiful or as cruel as ‘lust, Caution’”(Ang Lee, 1). When I was read “Lust, Caution”, I felt it is romantic because Yee gave Chia-chih what the girls expected. However, I also felt depressed that Chia-Chih couldn’t love Yee because of her mission. Combined the story with Eileen’s real life experience, Eileen was helpless as Chis-chih was. Even though Eileen was from a rich family, she didn’t have a happy childhood. Even though Eileen got married with the man she loved, they still divorced. Other people look at Eileen’s life, they may think she has a “beautiful” life. However, only she knew the life was “cruel”. Chia-chih is unsophisticated and proud. She still believed Yee truly loved her. Eileen was the same. This is why Eileen lived alone until she died.
"Ultimately, we are women. We are emotional." I would argue in some situations that this statement could be extended to men as well. Simply being human... we are emotional creatures, everything we do is driven by our emotions.
DeleteYou did a great job analyzing the emotional motives for Chia chih's choice. You also gave some new insights into the parallels within the story and the life of the author. I agree that emotion within humanity is definitely a driving force in both stories. Good job!
Delete“Lust, Caution” by Zhang Ailing (Eileen Chang), is an interesting and powerful story that dramatically plays out its title. An older man, Mr. Yee (in his fifties), is taken by lust for a beautiful younger woman. He should be cautious with this woman (and to some extent, is cautious; due to the immorality of the affair), yet charges head-first into relations with her. As the story progresses we learn about the woman (Wang Chia-Chih); it turns out in a “past life” she was an actress, so she is very adept at role playing. In the present of the story, she is merely playing a part; she is bait for the man, so that the hired assassins may end his life. However, in the last moment, she has a change of heart and provides an escape for the man, “ ’Run’ she said softly. For a moment he stared, and then understood everything.”
ReplyDelete[Chang, 39] Mr. Yee, in turn, executes everyone involved in the plot, including Chia-Chih.
Both stories “Lust, Caution” and “The Flowers of War” are set during a wartime era; more specifically, during a war with Japan. “Lust, Caution” is a story of spies and assassins, but “The Flowers of War” is a story of women trying to survive in a warzone.
“The Flowers of War” by Yan Geling, is quite the read. We begin with young female students who are under the care of Father Englemann. They first attempt to escape through a steamboat, but the boat was filled with injured soldiers so they had to survive at the church. Soon after this attempt, prostitutes in the act of fleeing come across the church and beg for sanctuary. They all then clash and must learn to survive with one another. Three soldiers also sought refuge and first aid at the church.
These stories convey many truths about human life during war. In one hand, no one can be trusted, even those you may love. In the other hand, it is a necessity to extend minute grains of trust for refuge and safety, even if this refuge is only falsely perceived as “safe”. Being in the wrong place in the wrong moment will cause great pain, or even death.
In both of these stories, the female's played a very prominent role. In "Lust, Caution" the female protagonist played as a spy in order to serve her country. Up to this point we only saw women in a very isolated position (house wives), however, in this novel we saw the female, Wong, go out of the way and seduced these criminals in order to fulfill her duty. However, the feelings of "love" is what sealed her fate: "He really loves me, she thought. Inside she felt a raw tremor of shock- then a vague sense of loss" (pg 39) shows that even though she was hired to kill this man, her heart is what kept her from committing to it. This one emotion threw all her ideals out the window.
ReplyDeleteIn "Flowers of War", females are also at the forefront, though, not in a positive light as the one before us. This story is about a struggle with a group of prostitutes and some schoolgirls. The Japanese had found their location and wanted the schoolgirls. However the prostitutes said "Our lives are worthless',she said,'not worth rescuing. All we are asking for is a good death. Even the lowliest of beasts, pigs and dogs, deserve a clean, and merciful death." (Pg 10) just shows that even in great times like these that these prostitutes actually had a good heart. This sense of compassion is what made the females memorable. In the end the soldiers took the prostitutes of the schoolgirls. If the gender of the characters were changed, then most likely things would have turned out quite differently (alpha male ideal).
Overall it seems that China is moving forward with new idea's especially when it comes to femininity. The females are beginning to take a more dominate role throughout China and not only that, they seem to keep up with their male counterparts.
It's very interesting that Chia-Chih fell in love with Mr. Yee after all she went through to prepare for her mission. I agree with your last statement about China moving forward when it comes to femininity. Both novellas were written by female authors, adapted into movies, and were very successful.
DeleteEven though women became stronger and more independent in the story, women' fates were not changed. Women are still controlled by emotion.
DeleteI think that "The Flowers of War" paints women in an extremely positive light--more so than in "Lust, Caution." Sure, Chia-Chih plays a glamorous role as a sexy spy, but in a way, her character actually fails her when her emotions overpower her. In "Flowers of War," initially negative characters such as the prostitutes actually become portrayed as altruists and heroes.
DeleteI think that your quote from Lust, Caution is perfect for capturing the exact moment when Wong falls in love for Mr. Yee. I also like the comparison you made between the two stories. I do think the comment above mine has an interesting point regarding the positive and negative portrayal of the prostitutes and the spies.
DeleteThe readings this week have quite a few common features. Both take place during war, both were written by female authors, and both were adapted into movies. Though the stories are roughly the same, the feelings after watching the movie versions are quite different than reading the novellas. In "Lust, Caution", there is not as much character development as there is in the movie version. This is probably the biggest downfall of the otherwise excellent short story. In the novella version for example, in Mr. Yee's thoughts, "So she really had loved him - his first true love. What a stroke of luck" (Chang, 44) you get a very bad impression of him since even though he calls her his first true love, he coldly does nothing to stop her execution. On the other hand, several scenes in the movie version paint a more human version of Mr. Yee.
ReplyDelete"The Flowers of War" is an incredibly brutal telling of the "Rape of Nanking" during the second Sino-Japanese War. In both the novella and the movie, the Japanese soldiers performed horrible atrocities and war crimes during this time and are shown as evil. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there were several instances of heroism displayed by the Chinese soldiers and ultimately by the courtesans taking the place of the school girls. By sacrificing their "impure" lives, they were able to live on in the purity of the girls. The ending wrapped up the novella almost too nicely as the reader finds out what tragic things happened to Yumo and the rest of the courtesans. Shujuan tries to imagine the finals moments of Cardamom, a courtesan barely older than herself, in a moving end to the epilogue.
I like your response but I have to disagree. It's true that it is difficult to see Yee's development, but maybe he does love Chia-Chih--"now that he had enjoyed the love of a beautiful woman, he could die happy – without regret. He could feel her shadow forever near him, comforting him. Even though she had hated him at the end, she had at least felt something. And now he possessed her utterly, primitively – as a hunter does his quarry, a tiger his kill. Alive, her body belonged to him; dead, she was his ghost." Also, Chia-Chih does develop--she transforms from a naive actress into an altruist. I agree that we see the development more clearly in "The Flowers of War," though!
Delete“Lust, Caution” in Eileen Chang’s novels, it is one of the few to discuss the female psychology and erotic works used the avant-garde style. This novel describes the end of 1930. A youth female intellectual (Wang Jiazhi) was incarnate the assassin and want to use honey trap this way to kill someone who was a senior agent works with Wang Jingwei’s camp’s people. Between the two sides in the political, the tactics and sex to use cheat each other’s story. In this novel said, “He really loves me, she thought. Inside, she felt a raw tremor of shock—then a vague sense of loss. It was too late. “Run,” she said softly.”(On page 39) Through Wang Jiazhi’s psychological activity and the final performance, I think Eileen Chang’s wanted us to know that when a women know someone who have deeply love for her, even if she doesn’t love him, also will have mercy on to each other and finally lose reason.
ReplyDeleteIn Yan Geling’s “The Flowers of War”, I think there are some similarities in the plot. In this novel it mainly talk about in 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War was began. Japanese Colonel Hasegawa promises to protect the convent by placing guards outside the gate, and requests that the schoolgirls sing a choral for him. Because fearing for the safety of the virginal schoolgirls, when the schoolgirls plan to attempt suicide by jumping off the cathedral tower becomes known to the prostitutes, their de facto leader Yu Mo (Ni) convinces the prostitutes to protect the schoolgirls by taking their place at the Japanese party. Next day, the "13 Flowers of Nanjing" are led away by the unsuspecting Japanese soldiers. The fate of the 13 Flowers remains unknown, apparently martyring themselves for the students' freedom. These “13 flowers of Nanjing” are so brave in the face of the disaster and dedicated their life to protect the young girl. They were like a warrior to defend the nation.
The piece that was astounding for both Eileen Chang's "Lust, Caution" and Yan Geling's "The Flowers of War" was the extent of character transformation that was present in both stories. Both Chia-Chih and the prostitutes in "The Flowers of War" display highly evolved characteristics by the end of the dramas.
ReplyDeleteIn "Lust, Caution," Chia-Chih enters the story as a young and relatively naive character. She is easily led, and experiences awkwardness in love: "The thing with Liang Jun-shen had been awkward from the start, and now that she was so obviously regretting the whole business, the rest of the group began to avoid her" (22). However, by playing a convincing act of a seductress in order to trap Mr Yee, she matures into a woman who knows what she wants, even if it kills her. At first dedicated to the mission with a naive enthusiasm, feeling refreshed by her intense encounters with Yee "like taking a scalding shower" simply because she wants to live and breathe "the cause" (18), she develops into a woman with a strong romantic virtue of wanting to save her lover even at the cost of the mission and her own life.
Similarly, "Flowers of War" shows that ordinary people such as children and prostitutes can be positively transformed through hardship. The girls in the story transform into survivors and the dodgy women transform into heroes. At first, the prostitutes are only concerned with their own safety, putting on an act to make people feel sorry for them and take them into the refuge, trying to appear pitiful and bedraggled: "Hongling began to put on even more of an act. She was no longer the bedraggled figure when she had arrived” (23). They only care about their clothes and having fun undisturbed by other peoples' needs. However, by the end of the story, they develop into people capable of sacrificing not only their beauty but also their lives in order to save the girls.
While it was not the central theme of either, the power politics between women was a notable part of each story, in particular the women who are in charge of select groups. In “Lust, Caution,” there is the group whose leader is Yee Tai-tai; her power over the other women in the circle, including Chia-Chih, is obvious in the way that she subtly bullies the other women. “She went into hiding because it was her turn to buy dinner.” (Chang, 6) “She laughed so much her pockmarks turned red.” (Chang, 7) It is also evident from the other women’s reactions that they care about what she says. The petty, insignificant conversation between these women is shown at the beginning and at the end of the story, and serves as a contrast to the grave political problems of Chia-Chih’s and Mr. Yee’s enemy revolutionary groups.
ReplyDeleteIn “Flowers of War,” the best example of leadership is the enigmatic Yumo, who had worked for years to attain her social status and keeps the other prostitutes in line by her superiority. “‘…Get back to the cellar!’…. Yumo frogmarched Hongling off towards the kitchen.” (Yan, 28) “It was evident to the girls [the schoolgirls] that this prostitute was the leader of the pack.” (Yan, 22) She knows that if they push the limits of their hosts too much, they will be kicked out and suffer dire consequences. While both Yee Tai-tai and Yumo’s power is based on the status that they have attained in their respective societies, the women in Yee Tai-tai’s group want to follow her because if they don’t, they will lose social standing; the women in Yumo’s group follow her because without her, they will starve. This construct suggests that these women, both the leaders and the followers, felt the need to be a part of a group in order to attain some end, whether it was superficial or vital.
The leading character in “The Flowers of War” is a white man, and this story happened in a western church. The novel also describes about two different sets of women, girl students and women from the brothels at the same time. They have different social status, education backgrounds, social experience and even different family environment, but due to the war, they have to come together. Shu Juan represents the students who influenced by the western culture and even can speak fluent English and Yu Mo represents the courtesans who are looked down upon in the society. They are all the victims of the war, Yu Mo is a woman amidst winds and dust but she was once a student and she is a special role in this novel. At the end of this novel, this thirteen degrading women saved the girl students and sacrificed themselves.
ReplyDelete“All Shujuan could see was her back, but it was an unforgettable back, as lithe and expressive as a face might be.” (Yan, pp. 9) This is the first time Shujuan met Moyu, the writer focus on the back of Moyu. “The woman knelt as if she had taken root, but her shoulders and back were alive with meaning… … There was no denying her elegance and dignity.” (Yan, pp.10) Moyu made a strong impression on Shujuan, even just her back. I think this is a bedding of the story later. At the beginning, the girl students look down upon this kind of women. But the women from the brothels saved the “pure female students” and proved themselves. Both "Lust, Caution" and “The Flowers of War” are talk about the women during the war time. They come from different social level and used different kinds of methods to against the invaders. No matter how the future, no matter what the outcome.
Basically, the Lust, Caution written by Eileen Chang talks about the main character tics Wang helps Kuang to use her beauty and assassinate Mr. Yi, because Mr. Yi is traitor to work for Japanese. However, some people consider the story is violence and sex because in the story, Kuang try to kill Mr. Yi by using gun and Wang was treated as a whore to sex with Mr. Yi. In my point, I support the idea that the story shows patriotism and students sprit of against Japanese. The story said “ while at college in Canton she’d starred in a string of rousingly patriotic history plays.”(page 17). It revealed the students action of protecting country’s safety and apply it on the stage. “Even though she had hated…she was his ghost.”(page 46) It shows Wang is falling in in love with Mr. Yi and use her life to save Mr.Yi life.
ReplyDeleteAnother story “The Flowers Of War” was written by Geling Yan talked about how Yu Mo lead girls to fight for Japanese enemy with John’s help. The setting of the story is church, which reflect the helpless of people but still hope for safety. However, even if girls in the story serve for Japanese, their sole still clean and likely be treated as patriotic people. Thus, the action of girls gives readers an strong impact that they are brave to face themselves.
I agree with you about "The Flowers of War", the girls were very brave and regardless of the things they have done they had they did the noble thing. How "their souls still clean", just because they chose a certain lifestyle doesn't exclude them from still being good people.
DeleteYou had a great post! Many of us couldn't imagine how hard it was to do the things they had to do and actually believing their own life is worthless. But just because of what they had to do doesn't mean they had a good heart inside.
DeleteAgree. Those girls chose to sacrifice themselves to protect the others. they were brave!
DeleteEileen Chang’s short story of Lust, Caution is a great short story that reflects multiple themes which include love, loyalty, and action. Each is presented throughout her short story but the movie clips shown in class just further painted a clearer picture of the resulting themes. For example, throughout the short story we quickly learn that Chia-chih’s job is to seduce Mr. Yee. However, as the short story progresses we quickly see her so called “act of seduction” turn into her having real feelings for the man. As Chia-chih saw the care and feelings he showed her in the jewelry shop, those feelings that she was beginning to doubt was eliminated. The love Chia-chih showed Mr. Lee also tied into the theme of loyalty. By simply saying the words “run” (39) it shows how she was willing to throw away the loyalty to her country and culture for a man she knew just over a short amount of time. Through the theme of action, it is evident throughout the whole short story. The audience could tell that Chia-chih was unsure of what and how she felt towards Mr. Yee. Her conflictions between herself are still seen through the end of the short story.
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, in “Flowers of War” the story takes place during the Nanking Massacre. This was the act where the Japanese slaughtered thousands of Chinese. Through the reading, we quickly learn that the central theme (and the returning idea of the previously studied theme) of the oppression of women is present. Through the prostitutes and negative connotation associated with them from the priest housing them, the audience can see that women oppression was still a worldwide epidemic. The quote that shows how women were treated is shown on pages 20-21. “They needed the biscuits to eat with their soup, which was so watery these days that on its own it did nothing to allay their hunger”. From the quote we see that women are looked at as second class citizens. They would only be served and helped if it was convenient for the other party.
Through both readings, we learn that China’s diplomatic tension with Japan was growing weary on everyone. Women treatment returned to being cruel and inhuman, loyalties were being tested, and the courage of “action” was being questioned.
I found Lust, Caution to be very interesting, in fact it surprised me. I really enjoyed to opportunity to view clips from the movie in class to supplement the readings. It helped me get a better idea of the historical context of the story.
ReplyDeleteThere is an interesting parallel between the way that Chia-chih attempts to seduce Mr. Yee and fails to complete the job due to her attraction to him and the primary female character in just about every James Bond movie.
It seems that the story line always contains a girl whose job is to attract Bond and lead him to his death and ends up falling in love with him, much like Chia-chih in the jewelry shop.
Really cool comparison to the James Bond movies. I hadn't thought about that, but you're absolutely right.
DeleteI thought the same thing as Ryan. It's interesting how old stories such as these and their plots become the basis of movies and books we grew up with.
DeleteThe story “Lust, Caution”, written by Eileen Chang was the story of a group of theatre students who were out to assassinate a Japanese spy, Mr. Yee. Basically, the story is revolved around Chia-chih who has been getting close to Mr.Yee for the past couple of years. However, during the whole thing she ended up falling in love with him and at the end letting him go. The piece is both beautiful and cruel, with the thrill and passion of secret lovers and the cruelty of a woman that is in love who kill the man she is in love with because he is a traitor to his country. One of my favorite lines and one the most powerful lines in the story, “ “Run,” she said softly. For a moment he stared, and then understood everything” (Chang, 39). During this moment Chia-chih made the decision to chose him over the cause and let him go after years of planning and working. I think this is a good representation that even though there could be so much at sake if she didn’t go through with the assassination and what message it could send to the Japanese and the other spies, she decided to follow through with what she wanted, him. But on the other end, after the incident Mr.Yee was very heartless and didn’t really have much effect. The story goes on to him just returning home, continuing his day normally and in turn murdered her and all her accomplices. War isn’t for the faint hearted and letting your emotions get involved is life threatening.
ReplyDeleteThe next story “The Flowers of War” is the story of citizens who have taken refuge in Nanjing during the time when Japan invades China. During the story there were people that were escaping and a group of students who didn’t make it, taking shelter from the Japanese, Father Engelmann took them in and had them stay in the church attic until they can find other means of travel to the ‘Safety Zone’. Then one day a group of prostitutes climbed the walls and came to the church for shelter, prostitutes were very looked down upon by society which was very well known when the school girls made jokes at them and didn’t associate with them at first. “Why would we want her tiles? We might catch nasty diseases from them!” (28) But it was the prostitutes that saved the schoolgirls when the Japanese came for them. The Japanese took them while the girls escaped in the truck, which is why they were “The 13 Flowers of Nanjing”. This story tells so much, but one of the main points that I really enjoyed was how the author describes the prostitutes and the resentment the rest of the people had towards them and yet they were the ones that gave up their lives for the very girls that made jokes at them.
They were looked down upon by the whole society and even by themselves. But they knew that it was not right to give away schoolgirls to devils. They were not born to be prostitutes. I guess they saw themselves, when they were still "clean" and young, from those schoolgirls. What they did in life were just the ways to make lives. To choose sacrifice themselves to protect young girls was sort of the way to bewail their own misfortunes and the way to bless the better futures for those schoolgirls.
DeleteThey are brave!!!
Love is an undefinable attribute. I find it to be an interesting phenomena, the persuasive aspects of how it can manipulate people, and their personal views. But who should be the deciding factor of what is considered to be "right?" When I say "right," I am defining it under the context of making decisions in regards to one's morals and virtue. So obviously this aspect of being right should be solely opinionated, thus causing each individual to have a valid argument for their own reasons.
ReplyDeleteIn the movie, "Lust, Caution" Wang Chia-Chih was a subject to this definition of being considered right. In her mind, she felt that what she did was right. Based upon some others' point of views, assassinating Mr. Yee would've been the right thing to do, but does that mean she was wrong for not doing it? Did she betray her country? Was she not patriotic, or simply a human who fell in love? I would argue, that many in her situation may make a similar decision. Its a tough call to decide, but I feel as if, personally, I'd assassinate Mr. Yee. The point of the mission and objectives were set, and I would not be able to disobey orders. It may seem selfish, my point of view and reasoning, but why would I die for someone else, especially an enemy of my country. My views aside, I believe the crucial aspect to take away from this story, as well as "13 Flowers" is how females were subject to fate determined by males. With that being said, Chia-Chih also played a role in her own fate, by giving in to saving Mr. Yee. “ ’Run’ she said softly. For a moment he stared, and then understood everything.” (Chang, 39) The common aspect to appreciate between both of these stories is the setting; being surrounded by war, individuals are going to be irrational, emotional, careless, etc. People will act from one extreme to the opposite and there is nothing anyone can due, except try to work around it.
I like you view on "love" and its interesting how it can be used to manipulate people. I feel like in this story it was at first "lust" that was used to manipulate and then later on "love."
DeleteI also agree, lust and love is a very powerful tool to manipulate other people with. I think did a great job!
DeleteYou made a very interesting point that "females were subject to fate determined by males." I absolutely agree that this shown in both stories. Very good post.
DeleteI agree. I think it's interesting how even though in one story women are portrayed positively and in the other they were portrayed negatively, in both stories it seems like men cause the major changes.
DeleteLust, Caution in Eileen Chang's novels, described by the end of 1930, a female educated youth, avatar assassin and attempts to use the"honey trap", try to assassin a spy who is in Wang Jingwei's camp,both sides in the political, power, sex between the intrigues of the story. Eileen Chang's short story "Lust Caution" written in 1950 during the war of resistance against Japan, the story happened in Shanghai, a group of progressive youth to kill the traitor spy chief Vladimiro Mr. Yee, send the most beautiful woman Wang Jiazhi implementation of the "honey trap". But in the assassination will succeed on the occasion, the story has dramatically reversed -- Wang Jiazhi change her mind during Mr. Yee buy her a diamond ring and it was deeply moved and changed her original intention. Finally Wang Jiazhi let Mr. Yee run away. "As soon as he'd reached safety, he'd immediately telephoned to get the whole area sealed off. By ten o'clokc that evening they'd all been shot. She must have hated him at the end. But real men have to be ruthless. She wouldn't have loved him if he'd been the sentimental type."(page 45) From this part, we can know Wang and her friends will be killed and mission failed. I am disagree with Zang ailing's idea about "real men have to be ruthless. It is not true, I think because of feudal society, Zhang ailing was Influenced by the feudal ideology.
ReplyDeleteIn 1937, Japan invades China, beginning the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Japanese Imperial Army overruns China's capital city, Nanjing, in December and carries out the systematic and brutal Nanking massacre. "The Flowers of War" is a story about a church, there is an American , a group of female students, fourteen women, soldiers and wounded face the nanjing massacre together.
After read these two readings, i realized War is the worst thing in the world. People die, family broken, a lot of tragedies happened because of the War. Peace is so important and I am very fortunate to live in this era of peace.
Eileen Chang's story, "Lust, Caution," describes the attempts of six theatre students who try to eliminate a Mr. Yee, a Japanese spy. The students devised a plan that would take a long period, requiring Chia-Chih to become one of Mr. Yee's mistresses in order to get closer to him and to find the perfect opportunity to assassinate their target. Unfortunately, the only part of the plan that they hadn't considered was Chia-Chih falling in love with the target. On the day of the assassination, Chia-Chih and Mr. Yee visited a jewelry store to pick up a ring that Mr. Yee had made for her. Upon putting on the ring, Chia-Chih couldn't bring herself to go through with the plan and told Mr. Yee to, "go, now." Once Mr. Yee realized what was happening, he quickly evacuated the building and ran to the safety of his car. While Mr. Yee may admit that she was his first true love, he still killed Chia-Chih. The story shows the dedication and love for their country that many people of China had. These six students took it upon themselves to attempt to defeat a spy who was hurting their country.
ReplyDeleteThe Flowers of War is another story that shows what great love the Chinese had for their country. When the Japanese invaded Nanjing, many people fled. A group of schoolgirls decided to hide out in a church, as well as a group of prostitutes. Prostitutes were regarded of the lowest of the low in this society, and it was very ironic for them to choose to hide at a church. The Japanese were aware of the schoolgirls in the church and were on their way there. However, the prostitutes decided to sacrifice themselves for the better good of their country, for the schoolgirls. The prostitutes disguised themselves as the schoolgirls, and the girls were able to get away safely. It takes a lot of courage for a person to give up their life for another person, but these women knew that these schoolgirls still had a lot ahead of them and they needed to survive. This just shows the people's love for the country of China.
I like your summarization of these reading, and agree with your arguments! I also like the fact that you pointed out the selflessness of the prostitutes was a larger picture and symbolized "people's love for the country of China."
DeleteThe feel of tension and passion was set immediately by making the story set in the same time as the second Sino-Japanese War. This is a story that offers a very different aspect when watched by a Chinese person as opposed to a Westerner. We get a glimpse of how communities and individuals were willing and ready to give in order to support their troops in the resistance movement. The story starts off with an odd yet compelling line. "Why did he do it?" (Page xi). This immediately captures the readers attention. Then, just a few lines down, we learn that the woman asking the question apparently (who is Wang Chia Chi) May or may not have murdered her lover. She is ordered to help in the assassination of a top Japanese collaborator. Wong is told to seduce him but accidentally falls in love with him instead. Eileen does good job of of showing where Wong's heart truly lies in the end when she tells Mr. Yee "run". He then bursts out of the jewelry shop and escapes the assassination attempt. Mr. Yee later has all of Wong's comrades killed as well as her. This answers her question of "Why'd he do it?" Simply a great read in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteNow, as for Flowers of War. This is again a story set in the era of Japanese occupation and the second Sino-Japanese War. It is a tale of grim times in China. But, more than that, it is a tale of sacrifice in the most honorable form. There are a mix of Chinese school girls and prostitutes hiding from the Japanese (which doesn't work) in a cathedral. The Japanese quickly find the schoolgirls and order for them to sing at a Japanese victory party. They all know what will most likely happen to the school girls. The prostitutes offer to go as them in an act of sheer bravery, courage, and sacrifice. What happened to the prostitutes is a mystery but one thing is for certain. Those girls showed their true colors in the end, despite knowing what most likely awaited them at that party. "Shujuan shut her eyes and tried to imagine the last moments of the girl that was barely older than she was. Out in the streets at dawn, alone and drunk.........she had been shut up in the brothel since early childhood, no better than a slave." (Page 68). This quote is so powerful because it shows how exactly some if not most women were valued as. They were seen as tools. Nothing more, nothing less. Truly a chilling story.
“Lust, Caution,” and “Flowers of War,” are both excellent short stories written by female authors and later made into movies. Both authors use very descriptive language to set the stage for such compelling stories. A major thing I noticed between these two stories is the character development that happens as the story progresses.
ReplyDeleteThis was very evident in “Lust, Caution” due to the main character at the beginning of the story trying to use her beauty to assassinate Mr. Yi, but later falls in love with him and cannot follow through with her assignment. Her love for him progresses, as she at first is 100% about the assignment. Then later we find her questioning her actions and if she is starting to fall for him when the author writes, “Surely she hadn’t fallen in love with Yee? Despite her fierce skepticism for the idea, she found herself unable to refute the notion entirely; since she had never been in love, she had no idea what it might feel like.” (Page 37) Her questioning of her love for Mr. Yee and love in general shows how she begins to develop more of an understanding of herself. The author even shows how she fights against the thought of it and how she loses sleep over it with the wuote, “When she finally released back to the privacy of her own room, she would gulp down a sleeping pill to guarantee herself a good night’s sleep…But without them, she was tormented by insomnia, something she had never suffered from in the past.” (Page 37) Toward the end of the story we find her very much in love with Mr. Yee when the author writes, “He really loves me, she thought. Inside, she felt a raw tremor of shock—then a vague sense of loss. It was too late. “Run,” she said softly.”(Page 39) She had become vulnerable and the great transition from wanting to kill him to becoming in love with him shows an interesting character change and development that as we can see works well in movies.
I like the quote you picked out and elaborated upon. It is extremely powerful and can define many aspects of the plot as well as principles to this writing.
DeleteEileen Chang is known as one of the most influential modern Chinese writers. Her works were mainly written in time during the war about the relationships between men and women. The story we focused on “The Flowers of War” is a very interesting story. This story’s setting is when Japan invades China in 1937. Also “The Flowers of War” had many themes in this story. The one that stood out the most to me is the role that women played during this time period.
ReplyDeleteIn this time period women were not really looked highly upon. Their role is not a positive one or as important as men. For example, in “The Flowers of War” a group of prostitutes and schoolgirls were talked about. The prostitutes were looked at as worthless individuals.