Hai is convinced her father knew that he was leaving his wife and daughters in Shandong with no resources or protection, and that it was a “death sentence.” What do you think his motives were? Do you think he realized how dire their situation would become? Do you believe his rationale for not returning for them?
I think Hai’s father was motivated by his arrogant need to survive at any cost. I don’t know if he anticipated how difficult it would be for his wife and daughters but I’m pretty sure he just didn’t care.
1 Like
I would not use the word “arrogant” to describe Hai’s father - I would incline toward the word “spineless”. It seemed that he wasn’t mature enough to take responsibility for his wife and daughters because his parents decided they weren’t worth it - he just did as he was told and didn’t allow himself to consider how they might have fared.
I think his motive was to save himself. He had no sons and daughters were not important. I imagine that he did not know that Hai was going to be tortured.
I agree spineless is a good descriptor for the reasons you state.
Even though the value of men over women is an important theme of this book, I find it interesting that in many ways the women in Daughters of Shandong were the ones who were stronger and more resilient. Nah Nah the matriarch of the family was mean and controlling, while her son was weak and irresolute. Leaving his family in danger with no resources was unforgivable. Although Chiang-Yue was bound by the cultural pressures of producing a son, she loved and protected her daughters throughout their many challenges.
1 Like
This part of the novel struck me as so hurtful to his daughters and wife! He only thought of himself. Perhaps he thought they would slow him or he didn’t wish to worry about food for the women. I would find it difficult to overlook his abandonment during such a turbulent period.
I agree that he was spineless and selfish.
I think spineless is the perfect word. He bowed to the will of his parents, especially his mother.
I agree with previous comments, and yet, his brother was able and did help even though their mother tried her best to leave Chiang-Yue and daughters behind to the “red wolves.”
The father was spineless, weak and rather pampered so that he believed he was more important than others. He was also a product of his cultural training, and did not value his wife or daughters.
I don’t think he knew how bad it was going to be for those left behind, but I also think he didn’t care enough to put himself in danger or discomfort. Ugh.
I agree with the others who have said he was a spineless, selfish man who cared only about his own survival and comfort. He may not have initially known all the horrors his left-behind family faced (though leaving them with so little money indicates that he knew he was inflicting poverty and pain)but he didn’t care. The depth of his callousness was appalling because surely news of what was happening on the mainland reached him and he still didn’t care. Self-preservation was the only goal, and a comfortable preservation at that, and the rest of them be damned.
Anyone who knows the history of China must appreciate the importance of primogeniture throughout the ages. One cannot judge another culture from the past through the eyes of 21st Century views. Consider that until recently, with the one child policy, many families aborted or drowned females because of the role of men in Chinese culture. This has resulted in an inability of young men to find a partner because boy children exceeded girl children exponentially. We must consider that there is a significant dichotomy in how those born and raised in the east and west think about life.
1 Like
When his mama said, “March,” he marched. Had he wanted to argue with her so that he could bring along his (useless) wife and daughters, he would have lost anyway. Obedience was the easiest option. Spineless. Yes. But the culture gave him cover.
I agree with the others who have said he was spineless but also one must consider the cultural demands of the country that women were important only for their limited and established but men were essential thus if there was no hope for a male heir Hai’s must leave.
I agree he was both arrogant AND spineless. He was arrogant in his belief that it was most important for him to survive and be comfortable. He was assured he was superior to his wife and daughters and that he would be dealt no repercussions from leaving them behind. To me, this demonstrates his arrogance. He was spineless for all the most obvious ways.
Hai’s father did what his mother told him to do. He didn’t have a mind of his own. I don’t think he was able to comprehend the dire consequences nor did he want to. In my opinion, he was the selfish one uncaring of what would happen to them. He somehow justified his actions with his self importance.
Initially I did not think he knew of the real dangers after Nai Nai posed the idea of leaving them behind to watch over the house, land and property. He did pose it as a question although interpreted by Hai as an expectation. Her mother did agree but wanted Hai and Di to go with them. It was Nai Nai again that brought up the issue of caring for the children. Although Hai said she would stay with mother anyway. I do not think he really understood the dire consequences that they would face. I believe his motives were based in cultural tradition. Do what your parents wish…he would not stand up to them especially his mother.
I think Hai’s father wanted to believe he was doing the right thing. I don’t think he wanted to stand up to his parents and was also selfish in wanting to secure his own safety. I do think he felt bad after they finally caught back up with him and he tried in a way to make amends.
I think he convinced himself (or his mother convinced him) that the women wouldn’t be in danger. Since he felt females were of no consequence, he likely felt that would be true of others. He seemed genuinely shocked when he found out what they’d endured, and changed his behavior at least a little.
1 Like