"The Woman Warrior" Quotes
"The Woman Warrior" is a memoir that weaves together Chinese folklore and the author's own experiences to explore the complexities of identity and womanhood.
memoir | 204 pages | Published in NaN
Quotes
The Americans said that we Chinese were filthy. We ate Chinese food. The stink of food and the noise of eating were unbearable to them.
When we Chinese girls listened to the adults talk-story, we learned that we failed if we grew up to be but wives or slaves. We could be heroines, swordswomen.
I have already lost my Chinese name. I want to keep my American name and get rid of my sister. I do not want her. She looks Chinese.
I would have to grow up a warrior woman. I would have to keep my own book of secrets.
My American life has been such a disappointment.
The swordswoman and I are not so dissimilar. May my people understand the resemblance soon so that I can return to them.
To grow up female in a Chinese household is to be taunted, put down, and cut down.
The Chinese are always afraid of the price they have to pay for Western learning and civilization.
I did not tell her that I was afraid to speak, that I could not speak, that I did not want another tongue.
I did not tell her that my brother was my brother and my sister was my sister, and I was me.
