My Life in China and America · Chapter
I: Boyhood explained
Yung Wing recounts his birth in Nam Ping, his early education at Mrs.
What happens
Yung Wing recounts his birth in Nam Ping, his early education at Mrs. Gutzlaff's school in Macao, his father's death, and his subsequent work as a candy hawker and rice gleaner to support his family. He also describes an attempted runaway escapade and his eventual employment as a folder in a printing office.
Themes in this chapter
Education as a Tool for National Reform
Yung Wing's parents send him to a foreign school, anticipating the growing importance of English in China's future.
Family and Personal Sacrifice
After his father's death, Yung Wing works as a candy hawker and rice gleaner to help support his family.
The West as Model and Mentor
Mrs. Gutzlaff and the missionary school represent Western influence and education in China.
Characters to notice
- Yung Wing
Narrator and protagonist; born in 1828, enters Mrs. Gutzlaff's school, later works to support family.
- Mrs. Gutzlaff
Founder of the school Yung Wing attends; described as imposing but kind, punishes his runaway attempt.
- Mr. Brown
Mentioned as a teacher at the school; Yung Wing is placed under his instruction for a short time.
- Rev. Charles Hammond
Mentioned as a missionary; his wife, Mrs. Gutzlaff, runs the school.
Key passages
“I was born on the 17th of November, 1828, in the village of Nam Ping (South Screen) which is about four miles southwest of the Portuguese Colony of Macao...”
Yung Wing was born in 1828 in Nam Ping, near Macao.
Establishes his birthplace and early setting.
“It has always been a mystery to me why my parents should take it into their heads to put me into a foreign school, instead of a regular orthodox Confucian school...”
Yung Wing wonders why his parents chose a foreign school over a traditional Chinese one.
Reflects on the unusual decision and its implications.
“I actually trembled all over with fear at her imposing proportions—having never in my life seen such a peculiar and odd fashion.”
Yung Wing was frightened by Mrs. Gutzlaff's appearance, which was unlike anything he had seen.
Describes his first impression of a Western woman.
“I never felt so humiliated in my life as I did when I was undergoing that ordeal.”
Yung Wing felt deeply ashamed during his punishment for attempting to run away.
Recalls the emotional impact of the public punishment.