"The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts" is a memoir written by Maxine Hong Kingston, published in 1976. The book tells the story of Kingston's upbringing in California as the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and explores themes of identity, culture, and femininity. Throughout the book, Kingston includes quotes from Chinese folklore, literature, and mythology, which serve to illustrate the cultural influences on her life and to provide insight into the experiences of Chinese-American women.
One quote that stands out in "The Woman Warrior" is from the first chapter, "No Name Woman," in which Kingston writes, "You must not tell anyone," (p. 3) in reference to her aunt, who was shamed and ostracized by her community for having an affair while her husband was away in America. This quote illustrates the oppressive and restrictive expectations placed on women in Chinese culture, as well as the harsh consequences that could be inflicted upon those who did not conform to these expectations.
Another quote that is significant in the book is from the second chapter, "White Tigers," in which Kingston writes, "I learned to make my mind large, as the universe is large, so that there is room for paradoxes" (p. 32). This quote speaks to the complexities of identity and the importance of being able to hold multiple conflicting ideas in one's mind. As a Chinese-American woman, Kingston grapples with the expectations and norms of both her Chinese heritage and her American upbringing, and this quote suggests that she has learned to embrace these contradictions rather than trying to resolve them.
In the fifth chapter, "A Song for a Barbarian Reed Pipe," Kingston writes about her mother, who was forced to marry at a young age and then suffered abuse at the hands of her husband. Kingston writes, "She could not leave. She could not stay. She was caught" (p. 77). This quote highlights the limited options and agency available to women in Chinese culture, as well as the difficulties and dangers of attempting to assert independence.
Finally, in the seventh chapter, "Shaman," Kingston writes about the importance of storytelling and how it can be used to challenge and resist oppressive systems. She writes, "The storyteller takes us hunting and fishing; she takes us to where the fish are jumping, where the water is clear and clean" (p. 118). This quote suggests that through storytelling, people can gain insight, understanding, and a sense of connection to one another, and can also use this knowledge to effect change and create a better world.
In conclusion, the quotes in "The Woman Warrior" reveal the cultural and personal struggles faced by Chinese-American women and the ways in which they have sought to overcome and resist these challenges. These quotes provide insight into the complexities of identity and the power of storytelling to inspire and empower.
