Family by Pa Chin

Nakuha ko lang sa kalawakan jinternet para effect. 

From memory lane... 

The Family is the story of the Kao family compound, consisting of four generations plus servants. It is essentially a picture of the struggle between the traditional and the modern, age and youth, Confucianism and individualism—old China and the new tide rising to destroy it—as manifested in the daily lives of the Kao family, particularly the three young Kao brothers. The complex passions aroused in Family and in the reader are an indication of the universality of human experience--very patriarchal (sexist) and passive. 

The eldest brother Cheuh-Hsin, was forced to marry Jeuh-Chi because his family thought he was old enough despite his wishes of studying abroad and despite the fact that he is in love with his cousin Mei. 

When their father, they call him Tsieh-Tsieh, every responsibility has to be weighted on the Big Brother's (as they call him) shoulder. 

On the other hand, the second brother, Cheuh-Hsui, was in love with one of their bond maid Ming Feng who commited a suicide because she was told  that she will be given to their grandfather's friend as a concubine. 

The third brother is Cheuh-Min, who was in love with their cousin Chin. All their relatives think that it is good that they were studying in school because their grandfather thinks that being able to read and write is enough to become useful in the family. the family decision must have their grandfather's approval at all times. 

As the story progresses  only second brother and third brother was able to realize that  they have to struggle and fight for their rights and that the old, accustomed way of living is inappropriate. 

Chseuh-Min, stows away from the family, because he refuses to marry another girl that their grandfather has chosen for him. he came back only when his grandfather was about to die and canceed the proposed marriage. While Chsueh-Hsui, writes for a propaganda movement and decides to move to Peking to have a new life.

Here are some handpicked quotes i have chosen that has moved me soooooo much: 

"...i strongly persuade you to brace up your spirit and fight on. Those who can march on with the times will eventually be rewarded. Only those falling behind will drink the potion of bitterness the rest of their lives, and that's the real tragedy. " 

-chien-ju to chin when she was being convinced to cut down her hair. 

"I live almost entirely on me memories now. 

...memories sometimes can make you forget everything. i'd love to return to those carefree days. unfortunately, time cannot flow backwards..." 

-mei 

"Circumstances are man-made to begin with,and man must struggle against them constantly. it's only by conquering our environment that we can win happiness for ourselves. "

-chueh-hui

"How easy it was for people to forget. Within a short period of time, a person could have a complete change of mood. Could it be this ability to forget is what enables us to bear up under adversity? "

-chueh-hui

*written 8/11/07 05:23 pm from my previous LJ.