Spider Eaters
Rae Yang's Outlook on the Chinese Revolution
Living under a Communist ruler is not a lifestyle that many in the western world are accustomed. Life is much different from the freedoms many in the western world are used to living with. Imagine a friend or family member accustomed to in a life of oppression. In the 1960s Americans were living in a prosperous time. That time period is when many families bought homes and started having families, which is often called the time of the "Baby Boomers." During the 1960s in China, things were remarkably different; China had become a Communist (Socialist) country under the Maoist revolution and later became a close ally of the Soviet Union.
The Peoples Republic of China underwent dramatic changes in 1966 that lasted until 1976. Historically the period is referred to as The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Mao Zedong (Mao) was the chairmen of the Communist Party of China and wanted to advance socialism, thus removing any and all capitalist elements from their society. During this period, Mao imposed his will and beliefs on the Chinese society. This turbulent period resulted in many violent struggles often resulting in persecution and death.
Living in China during this time would have been very difficult. Author Rae Yang wrote a book entitled "Spider Eaters" that documents her life and experiences in China from 1950-1980. An analysis of Rae Yang's "Spider Eaters" will explore the motivation for the Chinese Revolution; it delves into her ideals and the struggles and frustrations with existing as a female in Communist China, and the successes and limitations in elevating the women's status under the rules of the Communist Party.
Motivation for Chinese Revolution
Yang's father, second uncle, and third aunt were educated at the University in Beijing (Yang, 1997). In 1942, Yang's father had made a major decision in his life leaving Beijing and joining the communist party (Yang, 1997). This decision was baffling to Yang as she has been told a variety of reasons for...
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