Analysis of the Transmutation of Chinese Archetypes in The Woman Warrior

Abstract

Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior is a rich tapestry of Chinese literary archetypes interwoven with the fabric of American culture, reflecting the complex identity of Chinese Americans. The use of archetypal figures such as Hua Mulan and Yue Fei serves multiple purposes: they represent the struggle against racial discrimination, embody the resistance to cultural invasion, and symbolize the quest for a unique ethnic voice within the immigrant experience. The article will explore the major Chinese archetypes in The Woman Warrior and the reasons why these archetypes undergo transformation and change.