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Multicultural Elements in Joss and Gold by Shirley Lim Geok Lim - Coggle…
Multicultural Elements in Joss and Gold by Shirley Lim Geok Lim
Social issue
Racial Tensions.
The riots May 13 1969 takes place in the novel.
Li An deals with racial tensions when one of Chester’s friends, a Malay reporter named Abdullah explicitly saying that: “I told you the Chinese cannot push us too far. This is
our country. If they ask for trouble, they get it.”
Henry’s father is also killed in the riots. Mr Yeh does not manage to hide himself and is dragged into the living room and killed.
Forbidden Relationship Amongst Races
Gina is a Chinese woman. She has a secret affair with an Indian man named Paroo. Both of them are deeply in love with each other despite the differences in races. Gina and Paroo decide to commit suicide since they’ve thought it is the only way for them to be in a real relationship in the next life.
Perception of Western Culture in Malaysia.
Li An is different than any Chinese women because the way she talks, thinks, acts and even dresses is the same way as Western people do.
“She was like a Western girl--bold, loud, and unconcerned about her reputation.” pg. 14
Family Relationship
Relationship between daughter-in-law and
mother-in-law. Even when Henry has divorced Li An, Second Mrs Yeh still treated her nicely. She even helps Li An to take care of Suyin like her real grandchild
Relationship between grandmother and
grandchild. When Suyin is ridiculed by other girls for having different facial features; green eyes and brown curls, her grandmother comforts her.
Relationship between father and son. People expected that Mr Yeh to demand certain responsibilities to Henry as he is the eldest son but that has never been the case. He just let him do whatever Henry wants.
Relationship between husband and wife. henry tries to make up for the time he had been neglecting her wife, Li An.
Gender Issue
Sexual Objectification of Women. Ellen, a Chinese woman, is well known for her glorious body. Boys at her campus drool over her and she knows it. Even her England lecturer named Mr. Pound is interested in getting laid with her.
Gender Pay Gap. Ellen doesn’t the get same wages as men. Her job at Weston Allen doesn’t pay well for the same work she has done along with men.
Patriarchy. Under Henry’s watch, Li an intervenes the discussion amongst Chester and Samad as she rebukes their opinions. Then, she voices out her opinions. Henry who’s watching the whole turmoil doesn’t feel happy with his wife’s brazen move.
Belief system
Christianity. Grandma is a good Christian as she reads Bible everyday. However, she never attends any church since she says that God will always save her. That shows how much a believer she is.
Islamic beliefs. Samad represents Muslim by reiterating the information about his religion to Chester. For instance, he explains to Chester that ‘khalwat’ is a forbidden thing to do especially between unmarried ones.
Value system
Values the Beauty of Languages. Li an loves literature to the point that she wants to go America just for venturing more literatures. She points out that literatures are very limited in Malaysia.
The value of loving one’s profession. Henry is a young scientist. He is very devoted to his work. For example, he thinks that holiday like Christmas holiday as an interruption in his lab work.