d forced into concubinage. The lack of appreciation for a female causes this feeling of shame for the Mei family. Since rape and polygamy is accepted in China, it makes it appear that what Ann-Mei’s mother has done is wrong, and what Wu Tsing did was right or normal. Ann-Mei’s daughter Rose, reaps the disadvantages of being a woman because she feels that she can’t make decisions. “...Ted decided where we went on vacation. He decided what new furniture we should buy...We used to discuss some of these matters, but we both knew the question would boil down to my saying, ‘Ted, you decide.’” This illustrates Rose’s disability to be assertive, and her dependence on a male. The life of Ann-Mei demonstrated how women were undervalued in society. The story of Lindo Jong allegorizes how women were discriminated against. At the very young age of twelve, Lindo is betrothed to Tyan-yu. This is an example of the insignificance of a female’s feelings. Nobody wants to have an arranged marriage. Marriage is sacred, and is supposed to be exercised by two people who are in love with each other. This is an act of extreme unfairness to Lindo. This shows how an accepted Chinese practice is in actuality hurtful toward the female sex. “I [Lindo] once sacrificed my life to keep my parents’ promise”. Here, Lindo is talking about her arranged, loveless marriage. Chinese tradition is restricting Lindo from being her own person, and living her own life. She is unable to make her own decisions. Lindo is so willing to sacrifice her life in order to preserve the honor of her parents. There is no honor in forcing someone to be unhappy. On another note, Lindo was quickly blamed for not having children. Actually, their lack of offspring resulted from Tyan-yu’s lack of interaction with Lindo. It was impossible for Lindo to stand up for herself because no matter what, the male would be believed o...
