Essay Questions

What is the irony of Americanization, according to the author?

The white Americans are encouraging the Chinese natives to embrace Americanization. Ironically, the same white Americans are discouraging intermarriages between Chinese men and white American women. According to white Americans, intermarriages between the Chinese and native Americans are disgusting and horrific. The readers find it satirical that the native Chinese are encouraged to embrace the American culture but strictly restricted from a romantic relationship with the whites. Any child resulting from the Chinese men's intermarriage with the white women are mistreated and highly discriminated against.

Why is Mr. Spring Fragrance concerned at the rate at which his young wife is assimilating to American culture?

The first time Mrs. Spring arrives in Seattle, she knows nothing about the American language and culture. However, after five years, Mrs. Spring is fully assimilated, and there is nothing she does not know about America. She learns everything very fast, which scares Mr. Spring that she will forget about her Chinese traditions. Mr. Spring is a conservative man who strictly observes his Chinese culture. Mr. Spring comes to accept the fact that America is a free world when he allows her wife to continue living in San Francisco for an extra week to continue partying.

How does cultural conflict emerge as the central theme in 'Mrs. Spring Fragrance and Other Writings’ by Edith Maude Eaton?

Most of the characters in this book are struggling with a cultural identity crisis. Mrs. Spring relocates to America to live with her husband, and she is shocked to encounter a new language and culture. However, Mrs. Spring appreciates both cultures, and she quickly learns the American way of doing things. On the other hand, Mr. Spring is conservative of his Chinese culture, and he does everything according to his native culture. Laura's parents are Americanized in every aspect, but they observe the Chinese religious teachings and their duties as parents to arrange a marriage for the daughter. Laura finds herself entangled in two cultures because she is in love with her American schoolmate, but her parents want her to marry the Chinese Government Schoolmaster's eldest son.