I think it is interesting that "Mrs. Spring Fragrance," by Far, is written more focused about a mans perspective on emotion and and love rather than a woman's. We have read short stories up to this point about women and how they share their feelings for other people. I would argue that Far is keeping her feminist view, but relaying through men. Mr. Spring Fragrance comes to the realization that his wife is now being converted into an "American" woman. He has been told that in America "Love . . . must be free, or it is not love at all" (511). Of course, in China, people have arranged marriages, so Mr. Spring Fragrance and Mrs. Spring Fragrance were never married based on their feelings towards one another. The text says, "the old order is passing away, and the new order is taking its place" (512). This statement was initially said from a political view, China being the old and America being the new. I feel that Far is also suggesting that this statement could apply to the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Spring Fragrance, Mr. Spring Fragrance being the old and Mrs Spring Fragrance's new-found Americanization being the new.
-Brittany Kief
Brittany, I enjoy the points you bring up. I also think it's really interesting that we get to see a man's perspective on love. However, I felt that his worrying was all for naught, because despite Mrs. Spring Fragrance becoming more Americanized it seems that she still loves her husband very much.
ReplyDeleteI like your interpretation of "the old order" quote. That's something that I hadn't thought of. Mr. and Mrs. Spring Fragrance as the two sides of the quote makes that quote a little more understandable.
ReplyDeleteI'd just point out that the text cheats a bit on the whole "arranged marriage" thing, by indicating that Mr. and Mrs. SF loved each other at first site--before the marriage. It's an interesting move for Far to make...
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