While reading the chapter “At The Western Palace” in Maxine Hong Kingston’s book The Woman Warrior, it became clear that it differs from the other chapters. What makes this chapter different from others is the fact that the narrator, Kingston, doesn’t show up as often, however, we are introduced to Brave Orchid, her mother and we learn about Moon Orchid, her Aunt, and her story. This chapter recounts the story of her Aunt’s life in America, she moves to the United States from Hong Kong after thirty years and we learn all about what she experiences.
One of the key themes of “At The Western Palace”, was the difference between old Chinese culture and the culture in America. At the beginning of the chapter we are introduced to Brave Orchid’s children, throughout the chapter we can see the difference between Brave and Moon Orchid’s standards of traditional Chinese and Brave’s children’s lack thereof. Moon Orchid comes to America with gifts to give to her family from China, she first gave them shoes, which Brave Orchid’s children then spoke about to one another in English, saying “She must give us the leftovers”(119), their mother, Brave then “glared sideways at her children”(120) to send them the message that they are lacking manners. The next thing she gave the children were paper dolls, the children went on to play with them, Kingston says “How greedy to play with presents in front of the giver. How impolite (“untraditional” in Chinese) her children were” (121), her children didn’t follow any of the traditional Chinese culture or manners.
This chapter also explores the immigrant experience of Chinese women in America, Kingston’s Aunt, like many Chinese women at the time, was sent to work in America as a young girl, without her consent or understanding of the life that awaited her. The chapter vividly portrays the harsh realities of life for many Chinese immigrants in America, who faced poverty, discrimination, and exploitation. Kingston describes the cramped and rundown tenements where many Chinese immigrants lived, in stark contrast to the luxurious surroundings of the Western Palace where her aunt worked. Kingston also highlights the strength required to survive, despite the abuse and mistreatment Moon had endured, she persevered, and she was able to find beauty and meaning in the midst of such hardship, this is an example of just how strong of a person Moon truly was. At the same time, however, the chapter also highlights the ongoing impact of the abuse and trauma experienced by Kingston’s Aunt, she begins to become paranoid, and eventually Brave received a letter from her niece about Moon that says, “she had overheard Mexican ghosts plotting on her life. She had been creeping along baseboards and peeping out the windows” (155). This shows how much the American lifestyle has broken Moon down as a person and how much trauma it truly caused.
Overall, “At The Western Palace” is a thought-provoking chapter that shows us the difference between Brave and Moon Orchids’ belief that traditions should still be followed and how Brave’s children are Americanized, whereas they follow American traditions rather than Chinese. Throughout the story of Moon, Kingston illuminates the harsh realities faced by Chinese immigrants in early 20th century America and highlights the resilience and strength required to survive in such challenging circumstances.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think the difference between Brave and Moon Orchid’s choice to follow traditional Chinese standards makes it hard for them to build relationships with other family members?
- What do you think Kingston is trying to say about the lasting impact of trauma and abuse on individuals and communities?
Citation
Kingston, Maxine Hong. “At The Western Palace”, The Woman Warrior
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