Mrs Spring Ignorance Summary

In Sui Sin Far’s short story, “Mrs. Spring Fragrance,” the abstraction of America during the time period is expressed by comparing several Chinese immigrant’s views on different aspects of life. Throughout the story there are contrasts between the idea of being “Americanized” and the way of life in China. The narrative centers around the difference in American and Chinese values and traditions that are associated with love and marriage. Laura who is the daughter of two older Chinese immigrants is in love with a youth named Kai Tzu, who is described as, “American-born, and as ruddy and stalwart as any young Westerner,” (522,523) however Laura’s parents are set on following Chinese customs and promise their daughter to another Chinese young

It is interesting how Far uses the characteristics and certain aspects of the character Kai Tzu, to define and express american ideals through the character. For example she uses his adeptness at baseball, America’s pastime, to show what she identifies as American. Opposite to this idea of choice stands Laura’s parents an essentially Chinese couple who prefer traditional Chinese principles over American values. When the conflict of Laura’s choice against the will of her parent is finally resolved when Mr Chin Yuen decides to allow her to marry Kai Tzu. When Mr. Chin Yuen states “The old order is passing away and the new order is taking its place,”(528) it becomes evident that although he doesn't agree with some American values he is willing to accept that some things are going to change. At the core of this story about contrasting cultures the conception that is America becomes evident. The story makes it clear that America, while sometimes defined by certain cultural aspect like sports and poetry, is more than aspects it is an idea that people are free to make their own