# XI: Some Characteristics of Her Majesty—Second Visit to the Sea Palace explained — With the Empress Dowager of China

> Chapter companion for With the Empress Dowager of China by Katharine A. Carl.

## What happens

The narrator describes her second visit to the Sea Palace, detailing the Hall of the Mongolian Princes and the Dragon Wall. She reflects on the Empress Dowager's multifaceted personality, her impartiality, and the reverence she commands. The chapter also covers a rainy promenade where the Empress Dowager inspects gourds, showing her love for nature and her determination.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Governance

The Empress Dowager's ability to switch between state affairs and personal pleasures highlights her political acumen and authority.

### Observation and Interpretation

The narrator's detailed observations of the Empress Dowager's character and palace life provide an interpretive lens on Chinese royalty.

### Cultural Identity and Tradition

The description of the Dragon Wall, gourds, and palace customs reflects deep-rooted Chinese traditions and beliefs.

## Character check-ins

### Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi

Shows her statesmanship and childlike interests, her love of rain and gourds, and her titles 'Lao-Fo-yeh' and 'Lao-Tzu-Tzung'.

### Katherine A. Carl

Narrator and observer, fascinated by the Empress Dowager, learning to use chopsticks, and participating in palace life.

### Emperor Kwang-Hsu

Mentioned as residing in the palace, but not directly present in this chapter.

### Emperor Hsien-Feng

Historical reference to his decision to enlarge the Sea Palace enclosure.

## Key lines

> C’est le seul homme de la Chine

A Frenchman called her the only man in China, meaning she had superior intelligence and executive ability.

_Highlights the Empress Dowager's exceptional leadership qualities._

> The beautiful color lent an added zest to the delicious fruit.

She appreciated the aesthetic appeal of the grapes, which enhanced her enjoyment of them.

_Shows her appreciation for beauty in everyday things._

> It is better to be sitting than standing

Even though sitting in the rain was uncomfortable, it was preferable to standing.

_Reflects the ladies' relief when they could sit again._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters/xi-some-characteristics-of-her-majesty-second-visit-to-the-sea-palace
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/with_the_empress_dowager_of_china_se/chapters