Ha Jin's 'Waiting' delves into the life of Lin Kong, an army doctor torn between love for a nurse and duty to his traditional wife. Set against China's shifting societal norms, the novel examines personal desires versus collective expectations, symbolizing the tension between old and new China through a poignant love triangle.
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Lin Kong, an army doctor, struggles with his feelings for Manna Wu while trapped in an arranged marriage with Shuyu
Shuyu, with her bound feet and traditional values, remains loyal to Lin despite his emotional absence
Manna Wu, a symbol of the new China, faces societal judgment and personal sacrifice in her relationship with Lin
The characters in "Waiting" struggle with the conflict between traditional values and personal desires
The military's restrictions on personal relationships reflect the pervasive influence of state ideology on private lives
The novel offers a critique of the ways in which cultural expectations shape and sometimes stifle individual identity and freedom
The love triangle in "Waiting" serves as a powerful symbol of the struggle between tradition and modernity in China
Through Lin's introspection, the novel explores the sacrifices made in the pursuit of individual happiness and societal advancement
Ha Jin addresses the intricate interplay between personal choice and societal evolution, suggesting that progress and change do not always yield the expected personal satisfaction
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The book 'Waiting' by ______-American writer Ha Jin tells the story of Lin Kong, an army doctor, and his life in Communist China.
Chinese
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Lin Kong's Internal Conflict
Struggles between love for Manna and duty to wife/family.
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Shuyu's Traditional Resilience
Embodies old customs with loyalty, despite Lin's neglect.
