When I read Eileen Chang’s “Love in a Fallen City,” I wasn’t so sure if it could really be classified as a love story as not. Maybe in a traditional sense it would be, but if one was to really analyze the character of Liusu, that designation might not be as straightforward. In my estimation it is more of a story of self actualization and redemption and the love story is merely the vehicle that Chang uses to take the reader on that ride.
Be that as it may, I found myself really concerned with the character Liuyuan’s intention for Liusu. Actually his intention for Liusu was just a manifestation of what was going on in his mind and me being a man, I am cognizant that he and I share some mental machinations. When I was in high school I hoped to be married to the “traditional” type of wife who would bare me five sons. My desires changed and I actually considered marrying someone who gave me more problems than I care to think about. I passed over many “right” girls, which pained me to no end. I then wanted the most pure and holiest woman, without spot or blemish – but that wasn’t too feasible or realistic and I abandoned that idea. Then I came to the realization that the primary reason for marriage is for companionship and that I needed someone who I could share my life with and who I could be me with.
Liusu makes the declaration that men concern themselves with trying to turn good girls bad and then try to take bad girls and make them good. I guess that I have been there and done that and it doesn’t work. So I am glad that Liuyuan did the correct thing and married Liusu – even though that wasn’t even the real meaning of the story.
I have to say looking through your blog I think that you are doing a great job! Your posts are all so original and extremely creative. I thought your suggestion in class the other day that ‘Love in a Fallen City,’ is not a love story was an interesting one. For some reason I wanted to automatically disagree with you, but then I began to consider the notion. Although I would say to an extent Chang meant for the journey of Lisu and Liuyaun to be a main aspect of her story, I do not think that one can say the only reason for her writing was to entertain the reader with a classic love story. I agree with you in the sense that the love story portions of the text are used as a vehicle to convey greater messages regarding love in an ancient Chinese society, as well as views of marriage during the time period. Was financial security and status the only motivation for marriage? Were intimate emotions somewhat disregarded when making the decision to marry? These are the kinds of questions I think Change raises. I feel it is easy to miss her commentary because as readers we can get so wrapped up in the love story of the two characters.
So if it’s not a love story, what is it? The story you tell here about your own views on the right kind of partner for you suggest a story about our notions about marriage/partnership. These notions–what drives or creates them? Society? Ego? These notions–what game playing do they result in? Is this closer to what Chang’s work is about? Not sure… Thinking out loud here. Great post.
Got me thinking, and also got me realizing that we never returned in class to your assertion about it not being a love story.