Daughter Of Han

When modernization is often discussed in classes, it is usually depicted as a rapid welcomed event of progress for the society involved. However, in “A Daughter of Han” by Ida Pruitt, Ning Lao T’ai-t’ai’s autobiographical account illustrates China’s gradual modernization against its reluctant conservative society. Modernity is defined by the presence of themes such as: industrialization, the increase of global integration, the expansion of political participation, the expansion of mass society, and the nation-state. On the other hand, China looked to the past to achieve political stability. Often in the novel, Ning’s conservative mores and beliefs clashes with the need to adapt to her changing environment to survive.
In the process of modernization, it is the working class that is most affected by these changes. Ning’s home city of Penglai remains agrarian throughout the novel, meanwhile, Peiping and Chefoo were industrial centers. Penglai embodies the conservative values and traditions that China strived to maintain in which the people followed strict protocols and rules of Confucianism to create order for society. Gradually, Ning’s quality of life in Penglai declines as she strives to follow these …show more content…
In the past, according to the Confucian system, rulers were given respect and piety because they had the Mandate of Heaven while subjects were protected and provided for by the sovereign. So, revolution would be rejecting the conservative idea that the ruling monarch was followed and obeyed like a father as stated by the Confucian system. These events did not impact Ning’s life but it shows that there was much conflict in what direction China go