My Life in China and America · Chapter
II: School Days explained
Yung Wing recounts his early education at the Morrison School, describing its founding, his fellow students, and the pivotal moment when Mr.
What happens
Yung Wing recounts his early education at the Morrison School, describing its founding, his fellow students, and the pivotal moment when Mr. Brown announced his return to America and invited pupils to accompany him. Yung Wing, Wong Shing, and Wong Foon volunteer, and after gaining parental consent, they prepare to leave for the United States, supported by benefactors who fund their education and provide for their families.
Themes in this chapter
Education as a Tool for National Reform
The chapter emphasizes the role of the Morrison School in providing Western education to Chinese youth, which Yung Wing sees as a means to uplift China.
The West as Model and Mentor
The narrative highlights the influence of Western educators like Brown and Macy, and the decision to send students to America for further education.
Family and Personal Sacrifice
Yung Wing's mother reluctantly consents to his departure, and the students' families are supported by benefactors, showing the personal cost of pursuing education.
Characters to notice
- Yung Wing
The youngest of the first class, he is the first to rise when Brown offers to take pupils to America, and he persuades his reluctant mother to let him go.
- Mr. Brown
Head of the Morrison School, a Yale graduate, who announces his return to America and selects pupils to accompany him, arranging for their support.
- Wong Shing
One of the first five pupils, he is among the three who volunteer to go to America with Brown.
- Wong Foon
Another of the first five pupils, he is the second to rise and joins the group traveling to America.
- Mr. Wm. Allen Macy
Arrives as assistant teacher in 1845, described as sensitive and idealistic, and later becomes a missionary.
- Dr. Robert Morrison
His death inspired the founding of the Morrison Education Society, and his dictionary and Bible translation are highlighted as foundational.
- Andrew Shortrede
A benefactor who helped defray expenses for the students' education in America and supported their families.
Key passages
“I was the first one on my feet. Wong Foon was the second, followed by Wong Shing.”
Yung Wing was the first to stand up when Brown asked for volunteers, with Wong Foon and Wong Shing following.
Shows Yung Wing's eagerness to seize the opportunity for education in America.
“My mother gave her consent with great reluctance, but after my earnest persuasion she yielded, though not without tears and sorrow.”
His mother was hesitant but eventually agreed, crying as she let him go.
Highlights the emotional sacrifice involved in pursuing education abroad.
“It may not be out of place to say that if it had depended on our own resources, we never could have come to America to finish our education, for we were all poor.”
Without the financial support of benefactors, they could not have afforded to study in America.
Emphasizes the role of philanthropy in enabling their educational journey.