American Literature

No Name Woman is a story of womens struggle in a Patriarchal world where only second class citizenship is accorded to the females. Since the beginning of history, prejudice against women had always existed. This social dilemma is knows no race or boundary, from Europe to Asia to Africa and the Americas, women have their own challenges.

Having the plot set in China doesnt make it less hard for the female. Since Chinese culture is one of the most conservative and patriarchal in the world, it is understood that they are very strict in implementing traditions especially with regards to chastity and social order. When Kingstons unnamed aunt was discovered pregnant and delivered a baby she was eradicated from the memories of the people even her own family. She was treated as if she was not human, or a person who had committed a crime so grave the injustice done to her because of the fidelity of her community to the traditions and law of Chinese culture was unreasonable. I would say that it is better that she committed suicide and killed her child because there will be no future for them, as long as the minds of people remain closed. And even at this lifetime, the percentage of people who have an open mind (not liberal) in accepting the mistakes of others is very little.

The unnamed aunt is a testament to the oppression and torments that women everywhere experience. True that she was wrong when she engaged in an intimate relationship with a man outside marriage, but all people commit mistakes. Though very few can forgive.