Through much of the story, Celia wrestles with identity. At their core, how are Owen’s struggles with the issue similar? How are they different?
I think both characters carried something they believed they had to hide for the sake of safety and “fitting in.” Although the specific struggles and consequences of being secretly Chinese or secretly gay were different at the time (and of course are different now), both characters had to learn how to embrace the truth about themselves in order to claim the lives they wanted. While revealing the truth about themselves could be deadly for both Celia and Owen, I suspect that Owen faced an even greater risk. Even so, comparing levels of hardship and risk is probably less constructive than recognizing the commonalities involved in learning to acknowledge and own one’s true self.
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I agree with Kathleen. Both had to hide their true identities to stay safe. Both loved someone that they couldn’t be with, though Celia’s situation changed at the end of the story. I also imagine that Owen faced the greater risk.
To put Owen’s identity in the book was absolutely unnessary. Also at the time this took place it was not a subject discussed.
I think Owen being gay was a detail that explained Celia feeling safe with him. Of course they both struggled with identity, but men of that time were more likely to treat a woman badly. I don’t think it was very realistic for a man to help a woman in Celia’s situation in that place and time, but Owen being gay makes it plausible.
I couldn’t disagree more.
Sexual orientation isn’t a “new” issue. There has always been a spectrum and people have always found others to whom they relate. Maybe it wasn’t “discussed” in the open, but it has always been discussed. Perhaps in whispers and behind closed doors, but it has always been a topic of gossip, speculation, and, most importantly, secrecy. ’
And Owen’s story was an important, illuminating, and very compassionate part of the story. McMorris skillfully illustrates the parallels between racism and homophobia. Bravo to her for including it! I am a retired civil rights attorney and found his story moving and poignant.
Bigotry is bigotry. Hate is hate. Whether it is on account of race, national origin, ancestry, color of skin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc., stereotyping and discrimination are wrong.
Owen, like Celia, was not free to be his authentic self, to live openly and proudly offering no apology for who he was and who he loved. Like Celia and Stephen, he would not have been free to marry the person he loved (I hope he went back to San Francisco and lived with Matthew) due to both laws in place and societal norms. Owen could have faced criminal charges if his orientation was discovered, not to mention possible physical harm.
We know less about Owen’s internal struggle because he was not the major character in the book, but can surmise that it was similar to Celia’s. Both of them had to learn to love themselves while navigating a world that didn’t love them and, in fact, rejected and punished them because of their inherent characteristics.
Again, there is too much similar behavior taking place today. Strides toward true equality are being repealed, and bigotry & homophobia/transphobia are being legitimized in frightening and dangerous ways. It is appalling and this country must get back on track, but right-thinking people need to make their voices heard by voting!
I agree with Janie completely. I don’t think Owen’s identity was explored to any great degree and it could have been and made the book stronger.