Chapter Analysis: Part 3 Chapter 8

Part 3 of the novel primarily focuses on the change undergone by the Little Seamstress after the narrator’s acquisition of western literature. In Chapter 8, the novel reveals the pregnancy of the Little Seamstress and the obstacles endured by the narrator to procure an abortion for her. Through this event, the novel reiterates the significance of literature and individualism, which are recurrent themes throughout the novel.

By Chapter 8, the Little Seamstress is no longer a naive mountain girl. Under the influence of western ideas, she has had multiple romantic encounters with her boyfriend, Luo. In this chapter, she confesses to the narrator that she “has been throwing up ... [and has] missed two periods” (p.147), thus admitting her pregnancy. This greatly contrasts with her previous character of innocence and simplicity, which highlights how profoundly she has been affected by western literature. However, the Seamstress’ compliance to the allure of the west turns out to be a fatal threat as she confronts the communist legal system that bans teenage pregnancy. “There was not a hospital, doctor or midwife to be found in these parts who could be persuaded to break the law by offering assistance to an unmarried woman in labour” (p.149). She is only able to overcome this adversity through the assistance of the narrator. After her abortion, the narrator describes the Little Seamstress “groggy from her ordeal ... [but her] relief is evident” (p.162). This epitomises her insignificant connection to her baby as well as her waning emotional link with Luo, the baby’s father. By withdrawing her dependence on others, she is becoming more independent. Her transformation not only reinforces the power of literature but as well as the importance to intellectual liberty in order to have access to literature in the first place.

The concept of individualism is also expressed through the elderly Christian preacher who is found in the city hospital. The preacher had been forced to “spend the rest of his days sweeping Yong Jing’s high street” (p.155) after the discovery of his Latin Bible by Mao’s Red Guards. In the hospital, he is seen in his deathbed, surrounded by his family with a recorder. The narrator witnesses them begging the dying preacher to “repeat one of Mao’s sayings” (p.157) in order to escape future persecutions from the communist government. However, his last words turn out to be a prayer in Latin. This scene conveys the preacher’s refusal to conform and his will to remain faithful to his beliefs. It also establishes a clear distinction between him and the others who have forfeited their beliefs to survive from the new regime.

Before witnessing the death of the preacher, the narrator encounters various other individuals of the city. However, all of them are unsuccessful in providing assistance to him, as they fear the repercussions from the strict communist rule. As a result, “for two whole days ... [the narrator makes] no further progress with [his] gynaecological research” (p.153). This cold attribute of the city inhabitants emphasise the loss of human integrity as a result of political dictatorship. It also encourages the readers to consider whether communism is really beneficial for its people.

Through the Little Seamstress, the novel communicates the power of literature. Whereas, through the Christian preacher, the importance of individualism in overcoming external pressures is conveyed. Due to its elaboration of major characters and major themes, Chapter 8 is essential in propelling the storyline to its finale.

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