A Study On The Traumas Of Chinese Americans' Working Class

Fae Myenne Ng is one of the representative Chinese American writers. Since its publication, her maiden work Bone is highly-acclaimed for the availability of multiple interpretations. Currently, studies on Bone are primarily based on the post-colonial theory and are placed in the context of Asian American literature. So far, few researchers regard Bone as the sole study target.Therefore, from the perspective of trauma theory, this thesis delves into Ng's Bone by employing synchronic and diachronic research methods. Horizontally, in terms of the Leong sisters, it makes a comparative analysis on their attitudes towards traumatic experiences and on their ways to deal with traumas in order to present the current situation of Chinese women residing in America. Vertically, in terms of the three generations of Leong men who have close relations with Leila, this thesis discusses the similarities and differences in their causes of traumas, their traumatic experiences and their treatments for traumas.The Leong sisters and the three generations of Leong men co-weave the life network of Chinese Americans. By doing such a research, the paper displays the past and present living conditions of Chinese Americans'working class from the view of history and reality. Hence, this thesis contributes to disclosing the uncanny past of Chinese Americans'working class and to uncovering the history buried by the white dominant culture. Meanwhile, the paper would provide a positive reference to those who commit to Chinese American literature.