Traces+of+Love

[|keep a man interested]
 * __Traces of Love __**

by Eileen Chang **Analysis by Benedict and Whitney**


 * 1.Title**

The title of the story “Traces of Love” indicates the love which still lingers between the male and the female protagonists (Mr. Mi and Dunfeng) and their ex-spouses, and the care (not love as in a relationship) between Mr. Mi and Mrs. Mi, who is Dunfeng. A good point about the title, but I'm not quite sure what the last part of this sentence means.

Also, in the beginning of the story, Chang uses the transformation of tree into coal as a metaphor for the cycle of love; the tree symbolizes love and marriage in Dunfeng's life, and here it is suggested that it dissipates and "dies", although leaving traces (the ashes that are left behind) - this corresponds to the title [1] . Good to identify the technique. Consider the nature of coal when it burns?


 * 2.Setting/ Social Background**

“Traces of Love” is a story regarding a day of the life of Mr. Mi, Dunfeng, and old Ms. Yang. Relationship between these characters? The story was set in Shanghai //before/ during// the Second World War, when there was an economic depression and Western culture was flooding into Shanghai. Polygamy was a common social practice hence majority of women remained inferior to their male superiors. However, Chinese society became more westernized and free marriages were allowed, as well as the rising status of women. i.e. very much society in transition due to a range of forces

In the mid-20th century, it was ideal that people marry those who are financially and socially at an advantage. Probably true of most periods? This can be seen as Dunfeng first married a 25 year-old handsome young man, which made up to her social wellbeing. Meaning? However, after her first marriage, she married Mr. Mi, who was about 20 years older than her, but financially capable of sustaining a good living for both Mr. Mi and her. Shown how? Who else benefits as a result?


 * 3.Writer’s Purpose**

By writing about the inner feelings and the relationships between husband and wife, Eileen Chang has expressed her views to love and marriage. She agrees with the existence of true love and passion, however, it is short-lived. Dunfeng and her first husband did fall in love for the first few moments but it had started to die out. Shown how? Eileen Chang also concurred Why 'concurred'? that in the 40s, and/or in times of difficulties, most mid-aged marriages are not constructed upon love. On the contrary, people seek those who, when married, can live long-lasting, mutually or commensally sustainable lives together. It deviates from the present norm (I wonder...), as there is not much love (as in a dating relationship) in the dating process, or after marriage. The only thing that holds the couple together are, firstly, a wedding certificate, second, they know that they cannot live without each other, especially during troubled times. Proof of this claim?

Chang also wrote about the frustrations in the life of a typical Chinese woman. She brings out the idea of women always being the inferior person in the relationship, and that although the female characters are generally proud and arrogant in the story and seem to frequently manipulate others, they are often the ones who suffer most in marriages and are sometimes looked down upon. [2] Proof?

During the old days and especially warfare Any evidence of war in this story? , women’s destiny was normally dependant on her husband. For instance, after being widowed for over a decade, Dunfeng was fortunate enough to marry Mr. Mi who provided her with social status and monetary abilities. Proof? However, she was not happy about her husband’s appearance; she wasn’t satisfied with her sexual life either [3]. How do you know? It was not likely that they have much to talk about in any aspect. Given that Mr. Mi was already 60, Dunfeng would be returning back into her own sad lonely self after he died. It's best not to more 'suppose'. On what basis do you make this claim?

Even though Mr. Mi’s first wife was educated and was “chased” In what sense? by him, only arguments and chaos resided in their life thereafter. Shown how? When Mr. Mi came to the conclusion that his first marriage was unsatisfying, he simply divorced her Was it really this simple? He hasn't divorced her, has he? Maybe I missed something? and found his young and gorgeous Hmmmm... evidence she is gorgeous? second wife, Dunfeng. When Mr. Mi’s first wife was dying though, Mr. Mi only paid her short visits. Why is that? All of these show that both women’s lives were miserable. This seems a bit of an oversimplification to me...


 * 4. Plot summary**

The story’s plot mainly revolves around the conflict over what? between Mr. Mi and Dunfeng, and how they interact later on with Mrs. Yang. Who is Mrs. Yang?

In the story, the problem arises as Mr. Mi decides to visit his dying first wife. Dunfeng subtly detests this by showing irritation and fustration, whilst heading off to visit her aunt’s home. Mr. Mi follows in attempt to make amends to his wife. The Mi couple takes a cab and arrives at Mrs. Yang’s home. They spend the day conversing with her about family life and other topics. Mr. Mi leaves to visit his first wife, while Mrs. Yang and Dunfeng continue their conversation. In the resolution, The Mi couple departure from the house, seeming to have resolved their conflict and have reassured their love for each other. What makes you think this? However, the story is open-ended in a sense that we do not know if their marital relationship will continue to be sustainable on the long term. Why wouldn't it be? What symbolism do we have at the end of the story?


 * 5.Structure**

“Traces of Love” is a chronological story which spans over one day. It tells the experiences of both Mr. Mi and Dunfeng and their “present” lives. Chang wrote the story straight-forwardly What does this mean? with generous amount of flashbacks of the characters. serving what purpose? Through the conversation in Mrs Yang’s house, she had projected Dunfeng’s feelings and inner thoughts.


 * 6. Characters**

Eileen Chang focuses on the character development instead of that in the plot, as she reveals their personalities and relationships through dialogue, their inner thoughts and flash backs. Their interactions bring out the main themes such as love and how influence from family affects marital relations.

Mr. Mi is a 60 year-old intellectual who studied abroad and traveled the world in his youth. He is a meek person who fears conflict, in hope to sustain his second attempt at marriage. ("This time he had not tumbled into marriage, he had made enquiries and plans…”) He is nostalgic in a sense that he mourns over the potential loss of his first wife, for she symbolizes the days of youth where he was energetic, passionate and adventurous. What makes you think so? Sadly, his second marriage was not what he anticipated. Despite the fact he paid effort to rationally plan out his second marriage, he unconsciously rules out the factor of romance in the relationship leading to their psychological distance. Proof? He longs for the romantic feelings and intimacy that existed in his first marriage, despite it was ridden with rows and arguments. Proof? He feels frustrated about his present marriage for their age difference highlights his process of aging, and the how distant their relationship remains. (“But that was all. ‘thank you, I’m sorry.’ “) Provide the context of the quotation and explain it.
 * __Mi Raozheng__**


 * __Chunyu Dunfeng__**

Dunfeng is the second wife of Mr. Mi who is 20 years older than her. She enjoys her relationship with Mr. Mi as she has “a man” to give her a sense of security, in contrast with her former husband. She does not mind the fact that there is an emotional gap between her and her husband, for her standard of living is secured. Evidence?

Despite denying being a “jealous person”, she was quite envious especially towards the previously wealthy Mrs. Yang, as well as Mr. Mi’s first wife for she “demands” visits from Mr. Mi. This arouses the series of conflicts and tiffs between the couple as Dunfeng hates the feeling of sharing her husband with his first wife. Proof?

Dunfeng is quite egotistic. She sees herself as “a remarkable beauty”, to the point she is embarrassed at time to accompany Mr. Mi because of his unremarkable appearance. She also values her image in a sense that she looks down upon people that she deems are lower in social status, as shown when she talks to servants (P.94). Her "low-pitched, elderly ? is this Dunfeng? and ill-tempered voice" suggests disrespect and perhaps a condescending tone. The imagery that the author uses to describe her appearance implies her sense of pride as well. She is described as having a "chinless chin" that is pointing upwards - sticking one's chin up is an act of arrogance and pride, and here the fact that she is "chinless" shows that her arrogance is meaningless, and that she has nothing to be arrogant about (somewhat like she doesn't have a chin to point upwards with, meaning that she has nothing to be proud about). This may be related to the fact that her social status, money, property, etc. are all derived from her husband; they do not truly belong to her. The fact that she has a "classic aquiline nose" that is also "pointing upwards" emphasizes this point - "aquiline" is associated with eagles, which are generally fierce and fly at great altitudes, looking down on others. [ 4] I am more convinced by the chin argument than the eagle one!

Dunfeng exaggerates her marital hardships to Mrs. Yang in order to discredit her role as Mr.Mi's and her match maker. She refuses to be a puppet of Mrs. Yang, clinging to the fact that Dunfeng owes her future happiness and “successful marriage” to Mrs. Yang.

Dunfeng is a wife who lacks empathy for her husband. She lets her jealousy dominate her even and fails to see through understand rather than see through? the significance of Mr. Mi’s first wife in his life. She is less than prudent when it comes to commenting on her marriage, hence often blurting out hurtful words in front of her husband. “If both of us will see the day (that the war will end)…” “I mean I don’t know who of us will die first.” Can you comment on the cultural inappropriateness of this?

Dunfeng is also very superstitious, which indicates that she has received little education or remains influence by principles of ancient feudal society. She pays frequent visits to fortune tellers, and holds full faith in their predictions. “The fortune teller said that his wife would die this year… But things will get better for me.” The draws further contrast between her and Mr. Mi due to difference of intellectual level. Yes. There is often a sense of characters 'settling for' something that is less than ideal, as if we can't expect to 'have it all'. An ingredient of happiness is always lacking?

Mrs. Yang is the cousin in-law of Dunfeng. She was married into a upper-middle class family, but is currently facing financial troubles due to the war and economic depression. Mrs. Yang strives to sustain her high standard of living and an image of the wealthier social class by holding Majong parties and auctioning her valuables. She is pretentious in a sense that she often upholds the role of a hostess to her guests or a facilitator, hence putting up a front of amiableness and hospitality. Yet, she conceals her harsh judgments towards Dunfeng, such as how her manners are like a concubine or her ungratefulness. Moreover, Mrs. Yang is bold person in terms of making witty and direct statements to attract attention. Examples include exposing the fact that her daughter Yue “first made on the moon festival". Quotation doesn't make sense as is. One almost feels Mrs. Yang is running a brothel. Can someone explain this to me?
 * __Mrs. Yang__**


 * 7.Themes**

The main theme that the story revolves around is “love and marriage” (motives behind a marriage, the obstacles in a marriage, factors that sustain a marriage) and the influence it receives from exterior family relations.

In the beginning of the story, Chang begins to explore how spouses interact with each other within a marriage. In the Mi couple’s case, Mr. Mi and Dunfeng do not project emotions and desires directly. All is subtle and implied, indicating the emotional and psychological gap between them. Chang portrays this through the usage of sentences when addressing his desire to visit his first wife. “Quite ill. I got to go and have a look.” Fragmented sentences reflect the awkwardness and hesitation when Mr. Mi communicates with his wife “ I don’t mean.. All these years now…Really ill, and no one there to look after things…” [5] Nice exploration of style.

This causes the reader to question about the flaws of this marriage. The narrator later reveals the motives of Dunfeng and Mr. Mi in their marriage. Mr. Mi married Dunfeng after “careful planning”, implying how he had ruled out romantic impulsiveness to a large extent, a mistake he made the first time round? but replaced by weighing of pros and cons. (Dunfeng was a ‘remarkable beauty’) He had tried hard to prevent the tragedy of his first marriage (which was mainly due to true romance but less rational planning, leading to “rows and conflicts”), yet it is futile. Dunfeng, similarly, marries Mr. Mi out of practical needs, as to pursue a high quality of life and fulfill financial needs. Proof? This shows the contradictions of marital relationships and the difficulty to find the perfect relationship. Good point! Chang also raises the question of whether marriage under free will is truly ideal compared to an arranged marriage.

Another theme is the impact of family relationships on a marriage. The pressure from relatives can manipulate the qualities of a marriage. A good example is how jealousy of Mr. Mi or Dunfeng towards Mrs. Yang can affect their actions (Mr. Mi trying to chase Dunfeng) and their words (Dunfeng complains about her marriage to prevent Ms. Yang from claiming credit). Chang also explores the genuineness of relationships as in the story, since much hatred, black mail, dishonesty occurs among the family members (Examples include how her brother-in-law blackmailed her). One example is how Dunfeng and Mrs. Yang detest each other secretly, but still have polite conversation. It makes one wonder whether blood is truly “thicker than water”.

All interesting points!


 * 8.Point of View**

The omniscient third person narrative is used in the story. The all knowing narrator describes the background and inner thoughts of the main characters. The narrative switches around in the story, portraying different perspectives on the story’s incident (i.e. the conflict between Dunfeng and Mr. Mi) as well as the personalities of the characters.

In the exposition of the story, Chang’s starts from the perspective of Mr. Mi to describe his motives behind visiting his first wife. It then switches perspective to describe Dunfeng's discontent as well as the awkwardness it causes between the couple. The perspective switches back and forth, yet later on we also become knowledgeable about Mrs. Yang’s inner thoughts.

The narrator injects a few subjective opinions as well, such as how “Dunfeng had developed a brothel-style type of charm”. [6] Nonetheless, the narrator not only inserts subjective comments on the characters, but also uses words with certain connotations to imply ideas. Examples include “They (The Mi Couple) were having a tiff.” The word “tiff” refers to petty quarrel. Since the conflict was initiated from Dunfeng’s envy, it implies a difference of maturity among the spouses as well. [1] Good point. This is called 'authorial comment?


 * 9.Mood and atmosphere**

The essence of the story is the description of the travelling between the Mi couple’s apartment and Mrs. Yang’s house, with the addition of flashbacks. [1] The initial conflict that arouses problem of the story seems to be a petty one, due to jealousy. Hence, the atmosphere seems simply awkward in the exposition. Not sure awkward is the right word here.

Despite the “tiff” playing the background providing the background? expression. of the story, the plot is later thrown into the cold clamminess of a flashback of sad memories whose? about what? and the tense simmering quarrel between the couple, which contributes to the gloomy atmosphere. [1] what else does? However, the conflict relaxes in the end as Dunfeng and Mr. Mi naturally reconcile with each other. The rainbow serves as a symbol of harmony and the atmosphere becomes hopeful and pleasant in the resolution. Nice point. But unpack the rainbow a bit. Does it have the same meaning in Chinese culture as it does in Judeo-Christian ones?


 * 10.Style**

The tone in the story is rather gloomy in the beginning. Chang’s satirical story serves as a delusion meaning? to the real nature of love and marriage. Chang uses an abundant amount of imagery and symbolism in the story to foreshadow the plot or reflect the themes. She uses a lot of negative symbols in the beginning, seeming to foreshadow a tragedy. However, the tone brightens up in the resolution.

The fire-lit coal seen in the beginning of the story reflects Mr. Mi’s marital relationships. The tree (which reflects his first marriage) dies as it is logged. Logged by what? The “tree”, though dead, is re-enlivened in fire in the form of coal. Yet, it is destined to become ashes. Similarly, it seems to imply that Mr. Mi’s second attempt at marriage is doomed to fail just like the first one. Hmmm. Maybe you are taking the analogy a little too far? But okay...

The imagery of the certificate as "framed and hung on the wall” [7], in the beginning of the story, suggests that it is somewhat like a neglected piece of decoration, Not a very convincing claim? and that the marriage is being preserved in a frame. [1] The author hints that the marriage, like the certificate, is merely symbolic or a rubber stamp. Whilst having barely any real content in it. Perhaps the framed certificate is also one of the traces of love in the story. I think you should discuss this. Where is it hanging? How prominent is it? What is on it (symbols)? Worth exploring.

The image of a marriage certificate in the very beginning of the story foreshadows the main theme of the story. “They //did// have a marriage certificate.” [7] The past tense is used in this sentence emphasizes the fact of their marriage. The tone seems like the narrator is still yet to convince the readers that Dunfeng and Mr. Mi are indeed a legitimately married couple, due to the few “traces of love” between them.

The Majong party mentioned in the story also serves as a symbol that marriage is a type of gamble. You invest your whole life on in? an individual but whether the relationship will sustain expression? and prosper might as well be completely up to chance. It is fully demonstrated in the line where Dunfeng sees that “the risk she had taken with marriage had paid off.” [8] Chang plays with the term “marriage”, no matter arranged or under free will, and compares taking chances in a Majong game. Another motif worth exploring (games, chance, winning, losing). Interesting.

The resolution, Mr. Mi looks up to the sky to see a rainbow. Despite the fact that he grieves over his first wife’s illness, the rainbow in terms of biblical references, reflects hope and a promise. It indicates that despite the emotional gap between Mr. Mi and Dunfeng, their relationship will truly last as they are dependent on each other. Or at least it will have moments of happiness, and perhaps this is all that one might wish for? Hence, the tone of the story brightens up as it wraps up with a happy ending.

Hence, we can see that Chang’s writing style composes of great variety of selective details embedded in the environment in the story. Does this sentence actually mean anything?

1. Vincent Wong, Class Comments “Traces of Love”, EngA1S1012tracesgames, Oct 2010  18 Oct 2010
 * References **

2. Sarah Cheung, Class Comments “Traces of Love”, EngA1S1012tracesgames, Oct 2010  17 Oct 2010

3. Eileen Chang, Traces of Love and Other Stories, Hong Kong: Research Center for Translation of Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, Print, Page 113

4. Sarah Cheung, Class Comments “Traces of Love”, EngA1S1012tracesgames, Oct 2010 <http://enga1s1012tracesgames.wikispaces.com/page/diff/Traces+of+Love/171082249>, 17 Oct 2010

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">5. Eileen Chang, Traces of Love and Other Stories**,** Hong Kong: Research Center for Translation of Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, Print, Page 93

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">6. Eileen Chang, Traces of Love and Other Stories, Hong Kong: Research Center for Translation of Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, Print, Page 96

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">7. Eileen Chang, Traces of Love and Other Stories, Hong Kong: Research Center for Translation of Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, Print, Page 92

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">8. Eileen Chang, Traces of Love and Other Stories, Hong Kong: Research Center for Translation of Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000, Print, Page 109 You need both end notes and a bibliography, by the way.

Many good points--but often they are not proven. You need to add the evidene. Lots of interesting points in the final part of your piece. (Linda)