"In the American Society"

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews Gish Jens' short story "In the American Society" about the Chang family, with the father Ralph as focal point. The paper shows that the story is divided into two sections: 'His Own Society' and 'In the American Society' and, taken together, both sections illustrate Ralph Chang's transformation from old country Chinese-American to new country Chinese-American on his own terms.

From the Paper:

"When Ralph opens a pancake house, the business becomes successful quickly which confirms Ralph's belief that the way he does business is the best way. Ralph's confidence rises and not just due to his new riches. He feels freer to express himself. As daughter Callie says, when "the business continued to thrive, my father started to talk about his grandfather and the village he had reigned over in China -- things my father had never talked about when he worked for other people" (643). Although his wife gives him sound advice regarding the American way of doing business, Ralph prefers to conduct his business using his grandfather's methods. This proves to be a disastrous business decision."

More papers on "In the American Society":

• Essay # 3673 : "Robert Putnam's View on the American Society"
• Argumentative Essay # 4679 : "Public Welfare and the American Society"
• Essay # 4479 : "Public Welfare and the American Society"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: