The Progression of Historical China Through the Eyes of Progressive Women

China has undergone transformations for centuries focusing on change by integrating practicality, focusing on steel and industrialization, capitalism, and oscillating from the spectrum of cult-like devotion to Communism to Rightist practicalities. The evolutionary growth utilizing industrialization and gender equalization has disposed present day China to us that is directly reflective of the tumultuous historical change. The conclusions we draw from Ling-Ling's encounters in the Land Reform era, Rae Yang's autobiographical experience during the Cultural Revolution, and Lijia Zhang's memoir as a factory worker suit and enable us to better understand the progression of the history of China from a woman's perspective as a timeline.

      In Dragon's Village Ling-ling's involvement in the land reform is an extension of her own will for personal change. She utilizes the duty instilled in her by the Poor Peasants Association to accomplish a simultaneous growth within herself as well as for China. Ling-ling seeks internal alleviation from her acquiescent role as a female and enlightenment from her sheltered lifestyle as a bourgeoisie. Her youth takes place when women are for the first time given more power, she grows up under a patriarchal society, during a time when women understand they will ultimately be disposed to a husband and family to continue the patriarchal tradition. Towards the second half of the novel she states, “this was the moment I had been waiting for” (Yuan-Tsung 160). She experiences a catharsis after realizing what she has done as a female as an employed cadre has helped a fellow female. Ling-ling searches landlord Chi's house which helps alleviate Da Niang's spirits tainted by the mishaps of the Communist revolution. At the outset Ling-ling adapts to the role of a cadre with goals ambivalent in terms of commitment, to herself and Communism. Her commitment is inspired by Ma Li's deviation from the norm. She is impressed by Ma Li's anti-conformist... [continues]

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