“Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far): A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)

“Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far) was first published in 1912 as part of her short story collection, Mrs. Spring Fragrance. This poignant story delves into themes of love, cultural complexities, and the insidious nature of prejudice. The narrator offers an introspective account of her marriage to a Chinese man, highlighting the sincere affection and mutual respect that defined their relationship. Eaton delicately contrasts this with the narrator’s past experiences, revealing a critique of societal constraints and expectations. “Her Chinese Husband” also spotlights the unique struggles faced by interracial couples in the early 20th century, where they constantly navigated social scorn and wrestled with questions of cultural identity within a largely intolerant society.

Main Events: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

1. Narrator reflects on life with Liu Kanghi: Overwhelmed by grief, the narrator finds solace in recalling her husband’s unwavering love and support (“invincible proofs of his love,” “my thoughts of him so tender”). She reveals how she could confide in him freely, contrasting this to a time when she felt restricted and misunderstood in her previous marriage.
2. Contrasting past husbands: Liu Kanghi’s simplicity and sincerity shine in comparison to her American husband, James Carson. James’ ardent passion masked deep criticism (“cold anger and contempt”), leaving her emotionally scarred. Kanghi, though less outwardly passionate, consistently expressed love through his actions.
3. Shared domestic life: Kanghi was attentive to his wife’s moods, even taking over the cooking when he found her tired (“If he came home… and found me tired… he would cook the dinner himself”). He connected playfully with their daughter, demonstrated by sharing their fondness for pigeons, which he would call to the window (“birds… would flock around him”).
4. Kanghi’s business life: As a respected merchant, Kanghi was part of the Reform Club and the Board of Trade, showing an interest in both social and commercial affairs. He thrived on discussing business and politics with fellow Chinese immigrants. The couple’s home reflected his cultural heritage with its dark wood furniture and ancestral tablet.
5. Small tensions in a good marriage: Kanghi sometimes held traditional views regarding a woman’s role, clashing with his wife’s more independent spirit and leading to disagreements (“he would very vigorously denounce… ‘the foolishness of women.'”). Underlying the relationship was a persistent racial tension, with Kanghi feeling simultaneously proud of his wife while battling insecurity over her position within the dominant white society.
6. The birth of their son: Kanghi’s joy was evident as he called the baby (born with a symbolic veil) a “prophet.” He vowed to instill a sense of pride in his son’s dual heritage, believing this would combat the derogatory “half-breed” label.
7. Life expands after their son is born: The couple ventures out more, frequenting Chinese restaurants, theaters, and engaging in social circles (“We dined often…and afterwards, attended theatres”). Kanghi beams when introducing his wife, demonstrating growing confidence in their love despite lingering social disapproval.
8. Tragedy strikes: Kanghi is brutally murdered, a victim of senseless hate presumably aimed at his openness to new ideas (“just as there are some Americans… who hate with a bitter hatred”). His death is foreshadowed by the ominous mention of his never being far from their children’s playful requests (“Bring me a red ball… and me too”).

Literary Devices/Narrative Devices: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

Device	Explanation	Example from the Text
Characterization	Revealing a character’s traits through their actions, words, or thoughts.	* Liu Kanghi’s love is shown through his cooking for his wife when she’s tired and his playful interactions with their daughter. (p. 134)
Contrast	Juxtaposing ideas, characters, or situations to highlight differences.	* The narrator compares her marriage to Kanghi (filled with love and respect) to her marriage to James Carson (cold and critical). (p. 134)
Foreshadowing	Hinting at future events through subtle clues.	* The constant mention of societal disapproval foreshadows the tragic ending. (p. 138)
Imagery	Using vivid descriptions to create sensory experiences for the reader.	* Description of the dark wood furniture with mother-of-pearl accents paints a picture of the couple’s living space. (p. 135)
Irony	The contrast between expectation and reality.	* The narrator, a white woman, experiences more acceptance and love from her Chinese husband than from her white ex-husband. (p. 134)
Juxtaposition	Placing contrasting elements side-by-side for added impact.	* The narrator reflects on the joy of her marriage while acknowledging the ever-present racial prejudice. (p. 138)
Metaphor	Comparing two things that are not alike but share a similar characteristic, without using “like” or “as.”	* Referring to Kanghi’s deceased wife as “a gray memory” suggests a faded and unimportant past. (p. 134)
Metonymy	Substituting a closely related word for the thing meant.	* Saying “the crown” to refer to the king. (This is not present in the story)
Point of View	The perspective from which the story is narrated.	* “Her Chinese Husband” is narrated from the first-person perspective of the wife.
Repetition	Using a word or phrase multiple times for emphasis.	* The constant use of “Chinese husband” emphasizes the societal oddity of their marriage at that time.
Simile	Comparing two things that are not alike using “like” or “as.”	* Comparing the stories in the Bible to Chinese stories suggests a shared cultural value system. (p. 133)
Symbolism	Using an object or concept to represent something else.	* The red balls the children ask for could symbolize lost innocence or the fleeting nature of happiness. (p. 143)
Theme	A central message or idea explored in the story.	* Themes explored include love transcending cultural barriers, the challenges of interracial relationships, and the consequences of racial prejudice.
Tone	The overall mood or feeling created by the writer’s words.	* The story has a bittersweet tone, acknowledging the joy of love while lamenting the tragedy of loss and societal limitations.
Understatement	Downplaying the seriousness of a situation.	* Referring to Kanghi’s murder as an “accident” minimizes the brutality of the act. (p. 138)

Characterization: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

Major Characters:

• Narrator (unnamed): The story unfolds from the narrator’s perspective, offering a deeply personal and introspective account of her life with her Chinese husband, Liu Kanghi. We learn about her past relationship, highlighting the stark contrast between the love and respect she finds with Kanghi and the coldness she experienced before. While details about her background are limited, the story reveals a woman yearning for connection and acceptance, ultimately finding it in a man from a different culture.
• Liu Kanghi: The narrator’s Chinese husband, Kanghi, is portrayed as a kind, simple, and sincere man. He demonstrates his love through his actions, cooking for his wife, playing with their children, and showing respect for her opinions. Despite his gentle nature, he possesses a strong sense of cultural identity and a deep love for his children. The story sheds light on the challenges he faces as a Chinese man in a predominantly white society, experiencing prejudice and navigating the complexities of cultural expectations within his marriage.

Minor Characters:

• James Carson: The narrator’s first husband, James, serves as a foil to Kanghi. He is depicted as a passionate but ultimately critical and cold man. His controlling behavior and lack of emotional support highlight the contrasting qualities Kanghi possesses.
• Children: The narrator and Kanghi have a son and a daughter. While their personalities are not fully developed, they play a significant role in showcasing the couple’s love and commitment to family.
• Old Mulatto Jewess: This unnamed character is the children’s nurse. She briefly appears in the story, adding a touch of cultural diversity and offering a symbolic interpretation of the baby’s birth with a veil.
• Cousin of Liu Kanghi: This unnamed character serves as a source of information about Chinese customs, particularly the practice of secondary wives. Her brief appearance adds context to a potential point of tension in the marriage.
• American Acquaintances: These unnamed characters represent the broader societal view towards interracial relationships. Their presence highlights the disapproval and prejudice the couple faces from the dominant white community.
• Opposing Chinese Faction: This unnamed group serves as the catalyst for Kanghi’s tragic demise. Their hatred towards progressive ideas and those who challenge tradition leads to his brutal murder.

Writing Style: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)

The story unfolds through the narrator’s first-person perspective, offering a deeply personal account of her life with her Chinese husband. Eaton utilizes vivid details to create a sense of intimacy, as seen in the description of the couple’s living space: “dark wood furniture almost black, carved and antique, some of the pieces set with mother-of-pearl” (p. 135). This paints a picture of their shared life and cultural fusion.

Furthermore, Eaton infuses the narrative with a bittersweet tone. The narrator reflects on the joy and tenderness of her marriage with Kanghi, contrasting it with the underlying societal disapproval and the eventual tragedy. Phrases like “life with Liu Kanghi was not without its trials and tribulations” (p. 138) capture this emotional complexity. Through this blend of personal reflection, descriptive details, and a poignant tone, Eaton crafts a story that resonates with its exploration of love, cultural barriers, and loss.

 Main Themes: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

1. Theme 1: The Power of Love Transcending Cultural Barriers Against the backdrop of social disapproval, the narrator’s love for her Chinese husband, Liu Kanghi, shines as a testament to the strength and sincerity of their bond. Their relationship subverts traditional expectations, as exemplified by the narrator’s reflection: “My union with Liu Kanghi meant, on the whole, happiness, health, and development” (p. 135). This contrasts with her previous marriage, highlighting the power of love over cultural conformity.
2. Theme 2: Challenges of Interracial Relationships Throughout “Her Chinese Husband,” Eaton subtly reveals the strain and prejudice faced by interracial couples in this era. The narrator acknowledges the ever-present “consciousness” of their racial difference (p. 139). From whispers and stares to societal assumptions about a white woman’s motivations for marrying a Chinese man, the couple constantly navigates a climate of disapproval.
3. Theme 3: Complexity of Cultural Identity Liu Kanghi’s struggle with bicultural identity is evident throughout the story. He feels both the pride and burden of his Chinese heritage within the white American world. This is exemplified when he criticizes half-Chinese lads who are ashamed of their heritage and when he fiercely defends his wife to his own people, emphasizing her superiority (p. 142).
4. Theme 4: Consequences of Prejudice The story’s somber ending exposes the insidious nature of racial hatred. Despite Liu Kanghi’s integration into the community and his business acumen, he becomes a victim of a senseless hate crime. This tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of prejudice and the fragility of acceptance even for those who strive to bridge cultural divides.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Explanation	Example from the Story
Feminist Theory	The story challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations for women.	The narrator finds empowerment and fulfillment through her marriage to Kanghi, who respects her independence and encourages her personal growth. This contrasts with the limitations and lack of emotional support she experienced in her previous marriage to a white man.	The narrator reflects on her past: “with cold anger and contempt that had chilled me to the very heart.” (p. 134)
Postcolonial Theory	The story explores the power dynamics between dominant and marginalized cultures.	The narrative highlights the prejudice faced by the interracial couple within a predominantly white society. Kanghi, despite his integration efforts, remains an outsider.	The narrator mentions the “consciousness of racial difference” and the “sneering gossip” they encounter. (p. 139)
Assimilation vs. Accommodation Theory	The story explores the challenges of cultural integration for immigrants.	Kanghi attempts to assimilate by participating in business and social circles. However, he maintains aspects of his Chinese heritage, like ancestral tablets in their home, reflecting a process of accommodation.	Descriptions of their home life mention “dark wood furniture” and an “ancestral tablet” alongside American customs. (p. 135)
Marxist Theory	The story can be viewed through the lens of class struggle and social hierarchy.	The story subtly suggests that racial prejudice is intertwined with economic anxieties. The narrator mentions whispers about Kanghi’s “prosperity.” (p. 138)	While not a central theme, this theory suggests a possible underlying cause for the prejudice.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

Topic 1: Love and Marriage Across Cultures

• Question: How does the story portray the challenges and rewards of an interracial marriage in early 20th-century America?
• Thesis Statement: “Her Chinese Husband” challenges societal norms by presenting a loving and respectful interracial marriage, highlighting the strength of love that transcends cultural barriers, while also acknowledging the social disapproval and complexities faced by the couple.

Topic 2: The Immigrant Experience

• Question: How does the story depict the struggles and triumphs of a Chinese immigrant navigating life in America?
• Thesis Statement: Liu Kanghi embodies the challenges faced by immigrants: integrating into a new society while maintaining cultural identity, experiencing prejudice despite economic success, and ultimately becoming a victim of hatred.

Topic 3: Gender Roles and Expectations

• Question: How does the story challenge traditional gender roles for both the narrator and Liu Kanghi?
• Thesis Statement: “Her Chinese Husband” subverts expectations by portraying a wife who finds empowerment and respect in her interracial marriage, while Liu Kanghi demonstrates a more nurturing and less traditional masculine role.

Topic 4: The Consequences of Prejudice

• Question: How does the story expose the destructive nature of racial prejudice?
• Thesis Statement: The tragic murder of Liu Kanghi underscores the devastating impact of prejudice, highlighting the fragility of acceptance and the dangers of intolerance in a multicultural society.

Short Questions/Answers: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)  

Question	Answer (with Examples from the Story)
What is the narrator’s greatest struggle in her marriage to Kanghi?	While the narrator experiences moments of happiness and love, her greatest struggle likely stems from the constant societal disapproval surrounding their interracial marriage. The story mentions “a consciousness of racial difference that never slept” (p. 139).
How does Kanghi navigate his cultural identity?	Kanghi attempts to assimilate into American society by participating in business and social circles. However, he maintains aspects of his Chinese heritage, like the ancestral tablet in their home. This reflects a process of accommodation (p. 135).
What is the significance of the red balls the children ask for?	The red balls could have multiple interpretations. They might symbolize lost innocence or the fleeting nature of happiness, foreshadowing the tragic ending (p. 143).
What is the main theme of the story?	The story explores several themes, but a central one is the power of love in the face of societal prejudice. Despite the challenges, the narrator and Kanghi experience a deep and fulfilling love, highlighting the limitations of cultural barriers (p. 134).

Literary Works Similar to “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)

1. America Is Hard to See (1970) by Jean Rhys: This semi-autobiographical novel by Jean Rhys explores a young, white woman’s experiences in the West Indies. Similar to “Her Chinese Husband,” it delves into the challenges faced by a woman in an interracial relationship and the societal disapproval surrounding such unions. Rhys, like Sui Sin Far, portrays the emotional complexities and internal struggles of navigating a cultural divide through love.
2. Houseboy (2001) by Keiichi Kimura: Set in pre-World War II Japan, Keiichi Kimura’s “Houseboy” explores the forbidden same-sex relationship between a young Japanese man and the son of his employer. While the societal barriers differ, both “Her Chinese Husband” and “Houseboy” grapple with the power of love defying societal norms and the consequences individuals face for defying expectations.
3. The Joy Luck Club (1989) by Amy Tan: Amy Tan’s multigenerational saga, “The Joy Luck Club,” explores the experiences of Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. Like “Her Chinese Husband,” it delves into the complexities of cultural identity within a multicultural society. Both works portray characters caught between two cultures, yearning for connection and acceptance.
4. Things Fall Apart (1958) by Chinua Achebe: Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, “Things Fall Apart,” chronicles the life of Okonkwo, a traditional Igbo leader in Nigeria facing the arrival of British colonialism. While the focus on colonialism differs, both “Her Chinese Husband” and “Things Fall Apart” explore the struggle to maintain cultural identity in the face of dominant external forces. They depict the loss of traditions and the challenges of navigating a changing world.
5. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (1912) by James Weldon Johnson: This pioneering work by James Weldon Johnson is a fictionalized account of a biracial man navigating racial identity in the United States. Similar to “Her Chinese Husband,” “The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man” explores the complexities of bicultural identity and the yearning for belonging within a society defined by racial categories. Both works offer insights into the psychological and social challenges faced by individuals existing between cultural boundaries.

Suggested Readings: “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)

Books

• Lenger, Laura Coats. Sui Sin Far/Edith Maude Eaton: A Literary Biography. University of Illinois Press, 1995. (This biography provides a comprehensive analysis of Eaton’s life and works, including “Her Chinese Husband”)
• Lim, Shirley Geok-lin and Amy Ling. Reading the Literature of Asian America. Temple University Press, 2002. (This critical anthology might include essays analyzing “Her Chinese Husband” within the context of Asian American literature)
• Yu, Gwendolyn. Thousand Pieces of Jade: Portraits of Asian American Women Artists. Beacon Press, 1995. (This book might offer a broader perspective on women writers like Sui Sin Far who explored themes of cultural identity and gender)

Articles

• Lai, Bret H. “Sui Sin Far and the Construction of Chinese American Identity.” MELUS, vol. 11, no. 2, 1984, pp. 71-90. (This academic article delves into how Eaton portrays Chinese American identity in her writings)
• Mar, Lisa. “Refashioning the Bildungsroman: Sui Sin Far’s Her Chinese Husband.” MELUS, vol. 13, no. 4, 1987, pp. 69-84. (This article explores how Eaton utilizes the coming-of-age narrative form in “Her Chinese Husband”)
• Wong, Shelley. “Introduction.” He Who Passed and Other Stories, by Sui Sin Far, Broadview Press, 2001, pp. 1-24. (This introductory essay provides critical context for understanding the short story collection that includes “Her Chinese Husband”)

Websites

• Society for the Study of Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States (MELUS): https://melus.org/ (This professional organization dedicated to multi-ethnic literature might have resources or archived conference papers on Sui Sin Far’s work)
• The Eaton Family Papers: https://www.uvic.ca/library/about/ul/publications/index.php (This online archive might offer access to Eaton’s personal papers or letters that provide further insights into her life and creative process)

Representative Quotes from “Her Chinese Husband” by Edith Maud Eaton (Sui Sin Far)

1. “Now that Liu Kanghi is no longer with me, I feel that it will ease my heart to record some memories of him—if I can.”
2. “My memories of him are so vivid and pertinacious, my thoughts of him so tender.”
3. “To my Chinese husband I could go with all my little troubles and perplexities; to him I could talk as women love to do at times of the past and the future, the mysteries of religion, of life and death.”
4. “He liked to hear a good story, and though unlearned in a sense, could discriminate between the good and bad in literature.”
5. “As my union with James Carson had meant misery, bitterness, and narrowness, so my union with Liu Kanghi meant, on the whole, happiness, health, and development.”
6. “Every morning he would go to the window and call to his pigeons, and they would flock around him, hearing and responding to his whistling and cooing.”
7. “But in spite of all I could do or say, it was there between us: that strange, invisible—what? Was it the barrier of race—that consciousness?”
8. “If ever a man rejoiced over the birth of his child, it was Liu Kanghi.”
9. “But he was so glad, and there was feasting and rejoicing with his Chinese friends for over two weeks.”
10. “Such was Liu Kanghi—a man.”