Pa Chin's autobiographical novel Family focuses on a theme that has meaning across cultural boundaries: the restlessness of youth and the desire of young people to forge an identity apart from the "outdated" traditions and ideals of their elders, called "feudal" in the novel. We too had a widespread youth protest movement in the 1960's/early 70's, during which longstanding political and personal values and ideals were questioned and, in some cases, discarded. And some people, concerned that our value changes have gone too far, have called for a return to "traditional values".
In Family, the struggle against tradition is carried out against the backdrop of the Kao family compound. Each of three brothers - Chueh-hsin, Chueh-min, and Chueh-hui - in his own way grapples with what the author labels the Confucian attitudes and values of the elders in the Kao family, most notably those of the imposing patriarch of the family, the grandfather. What are Confucian values? A summary of those values is as follows: 1) we must aim for harmony and recognize that humans reach their fullest potential through their connections with other humans; 2) traditional rituals, courtesies/etiquette, and ceremonies are all important parts of social discipline; 3) there are right ways of acting for each person in society and the family based on age, gender, and station in life, and knowing one's place is very important; 4) knowledge is gained by consulting past tradition; 5) group loyalty is paramount; 6) in line with #3, filial piety, or the duty of one family member to another, must be followed. The son must act like a son, the father like a father. Females are subordinate. The family situation is hierarchical. For example, in the novel, the elders choose marriage partners, and even make career decisions, for their children. However, in the Confucian scheme of things those who occupy a "higher" place in a hierarchy of relationships must still deserve the loyalty and respect they demand from those in a subordinate position to them.
Each of the Kao brothers has been victimized by tradition in one way or another, as have several other prominent characters in the novel, including Cousin Mei, Cousin Chin, and the servant Ming-Feng. Perhaps even Venerable Master Kao himself is a victim. The feelings of frustration of the younger generation in the family are magnified by the new ways of thinking taking place in China as a result of the May Fourth Movement. A student protest in Tiananmen Square on May 4, 1919 had its specific root in frustration over the results of the Paris Peace Conference, which allowed imperial Japan to occupy a portion of Shandong province in China. But the movement was larger than that one issue; it was also a call for attacking traditional ways of thinking, with "Overthrow Confucius and Sons" being a prominent motto. The students, and the population of intellectuals and workers who supported them, called for greater democratization and more attention to Western values. Western literature became popular with youth, and science was also held in high esteem.
Some questions to consider as you read Family: