Poetry · Chapter
Peaceful Expulsion explained
A political satire in verse where Mountwave, a politician, manipulates a workingman named Hardhand by blaming Chinese immigrants for his troubles.
What happens
A political satire in verse where Mountwave, a politician, manipulates a workingman named Hardhand by blaming Chinese immigrants for his troubles. Tok Bak, a Chinese immigrant, defends himself against racist accusations. Satan appears to support Mountwave's anti-Chinese agenda, revealing the self-serving nature of the political campaign.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The chapter mocks politicians who exploit racial prejudice for personal gain, as seen in Mountwave's manipulation of Hardhand.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Mountwave and Satan collude to promote expulsion while ignoring justice and law, highlighting political corruption.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator is not directly present; the chapter is a dramatic scene.
- Jack Satan
Appears as a friend to Mountwave, supporting the anti-Chinese expulsion movement.
- Hardhand
A workingman who is initially skeptical of Mountwave's rhetoric but is swayed by the chorus.
- Mountwave
A politician who uses anti-Chinese sentiment to advance his own interests.
- Tok Bak
A Chinese immigrant who defends himself against racist accusations and references biblical stories.
Key passages
“The wounds of honest workingmen I’ve made A specialty, and probing them’s my trade.”
Mountwave claims he is an expert at diagnosing the suffering of workers, but his real trade is exploiting their grievances.
Reveals Mountwave's cynical manipulation of working-class anger.
“You dlive me outee clunty towns all way; Why you no tackle me Safflisco, hay?”
Tok Bak asks why he is driven out of towns but not challenged in San Francisco, pointing out the hypocrisy of the anti-Chinese campaign.
Highlights the selective enforcement of anti-Chinese policies.
“The State’s advantage, sir, you may not see, But think how good it is for me. Satan And me.”
Mountwave admits that the expulsion policy benefits himself and Satan, not the state or the workers.
Exposes the self-interest behind the political rhetoric.