On a Chinese Screen · Chapter
XVII: Henderson explained
The chapter introduces Henderson, a British expatriate in Shanghai who outwardly espouses socialist and democratic ideals but reveals a deep-seated hypocrisy in his treatment of the Chinese.
What happens
The chapter introduces Henderson, a British expatriate in Shanghai who outwardly espouses socialist and democratic ideals but reveals a deep-seated hypocrisy in his treatment of the Chinese. His conventional unconventionality and condescending attitude culminate in a moment where he kicks a rickshaw boy, exposing the contradiction between his professed beliefs and his actions as a member of the ruling colonial class.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Compromise
Henderson's socialist ideals and democratic pretensions are starkly contradicted by his casual cruelty and sense of racial superiority, epitomized by kicking the rickshaw boy.
Cultural Clash and Misunderstanding
Henderson's intellectual admiration for non-Western peoples does not translate into genuine respect or empathy, highlighting the deep cultural divide and the colonial mindset.
Characters to notice
- Henderson
A junior partner in a respectable firm, Henderson presents himself as a socialist and intellectual, but his behavior towards the Chinese rickshaw boys reveals his underlying colonial arrogance and hypocrisy.
Key passages
“His unconventionality was exquisitely conventional. Everything about him was according to standard, from his square-toed, serviceable boots to his rather long, untidy hair.”
Henderson's attempt at being unconventional was itself a predictable and standard pattern, evident in his typical bohemian appearance.
This observation underscores the performative nature of Henderson's nonconformity, which is actually a cliché of his social class.
“He held English, French, and Americans in scorn; but on the other hand (he was no misanthropist) he would not listen to a word in dispraise of Tamils, Bengalis, Kaffirs, Germans, or Greeks.”
He criticized Westerners but defended various other ethnic groups, though his actions later show this to be a superficial stance.
This sets up the irony of his later behavior, revealing his professed egalitarianism as hollow.
“It may be notorious that you beat your wife, but if you are manager of a well-established bank the world will be civil to you and ask you to dinner.”
In China, a person's professional position can excuse even serious personal misconduct, allowing them to maintain social respectability.
This illustrates the moral leniency of colonial society, which prioritizes status over ethics.
““Don’t you think we might leave it till after luncheon?” I said. “Those fellows are sweating like pigs.” “It’s good for them,” he answered. “You mustn’t ever pay attention to the Chinese. You see, we’re only here because they fear us. We’re the ruling race.””
When I suggested resting the exhausted rickshaw boys, Henderson dismissed their suffering, asserting that Western dominance relies on fear and that the Chinese are naturally subservient.
This dialogue exposes the racist and exploitative foundation of Henderson's colonial worldview, directly contradicting his earlier socialist rhetoric.
““Round the corner, you bloody fool,” cried Henderson, and to emphasize his meaning he gave the man a smart kick on the bottom.”
Henderson shouted at the rickshaw boy for missing a turn and kicked him to enforce his order.
This final act of physical violence crystallizes the chapter's theme of hypocrisy, showing Henderson's true attitude beneath his intellectual facade.