The_Death_of_Women_Wang

Death of Women Wang This story is an historical account of a small town called “T’ang-Ch’en in Northern China in the 1670’s. According to the local history of T’ang-Ch’en”, this town suffered various disasters in a short time period. The author gives us some insights on how women were viewed (treated) during this dark poverty stricken place and time. The author continues to tell us tales on how people lived through recurrent wars and disasters. Particular, he writes about one family dilemma, “The Wang family”. Mrs. Wang ran away from her home, but unfortunately returns home and is killed. One of the magistrates who served in T’an-ch’eng city in the year 1670 was Huang Liu- hung. He noticed when he arrived at T'an-ch'eng, “that the people's problem was one of basic survival- physical and moral- in a world that seemed to be disintegrating before their eyes”. (P. 9) As mentioned in the book for over thirty years there had been various disasters and re-occurring mishaps. For example; there were lots of floods then the famine of 1665. This was a major devastation for these people. They were dying of starvation. They could not harvest any grain. Many of them died in the 1668 earthquake as told in a tale in the book. The people of T’an-ch’eng who actually survived the earthquake tell how they saw “ buildings and homes collapse and rise again”, “The sounds of men and women screaming, The waters rose many feet high killing a lots of people. (p.19) Along with the natural disasters, there were evil bandits killing and looting out in the countryside. T’an-ch’eng City station was right off the main road. The Army always stopped there to supplies their troops with the basic essentials. However, while they were there they would rape T’an-ch’eng women. In the biographies of T’an-ch’eng women’s there were actual accounts on the behavior of women. The author writes an interesting quote,“ The Virtues fostered were those of chastity, courage, tenacity, and unquestioning acceptance of the prevailing hierarchy-unto death if necessary: fifteen of these women had committed suicide, and in thirteen of these suicides the motive was loyalty to a deceased husband or to avoid rape, which would shame both wife and husband”. (P. 100) One example; is of a woman who was betrothed before actually getting married. But her husband died so they were never married. This woman did not want to be promised to another man. So she “ cut her hair and disfigured her face” (p.101) She would never be with another man. Her loyalty was was so strong she promised to be with her man until she dies. These times were particularly difficult for women. Lots of women who survived the various disasters suffered in the hands of their very own husbands. Wives had to obey their husbands or they would be punished. Wives were sold for little money or food, some women were forced into prostitutions. There was really no regard for women. The women who had lost their husbands were very loyal to them. If they became widowed many of them would disfigured their bodies or faces so they would not be attractive to other men. There was a high rate of suicide in women. Even the younger girl who married young were faithful to their spouse. The title of this book is a good title I can definitely see why the death of woman Wang, is of interest to readers. Her death by the hands of her very own husband is something really hard to believe. Mr. Wang was said to be innocent of the murder but, was put on trail for blaming his neighbor for purposively having an adulterous affair with Kao his neighbor and that Kao had killed Mrs. Wang. The law really didn’t seem to care about the lost of her life. The law allowed the husband to keep their adulterous wives or to divorce them. However, Mr. Wang decided to keep her and kill her. What I find strange is the fact that Mr. Wang had “lied” and blamed someone else for the killing. In regards to Mrs. Wang it appeared that she was very unhappy. Mr. Wang and Mrs. Wang argued all the time. Yes, she did run away from home but decided to come back that alone took a great amount of courage but she did it. If this situation were to happen now in today’s generation just for committing adultery it would not have been death. Although, if a man killed his wife for committing adultery in the United States today. He would most certainly be convicted of murder. The author shows that in spite of this hard life, there are still lots of interest in Chinese life today. Today in China the government has changed its attitude and now has made life in china for women a time of expanding opportunity. It can be very intriguing to read and learn about a different place and time that differs from today. However, I am very glad that I have the freedom to do pretty much anything I want except break the law. I consider myself very lucky to be living here today in the United States.