This story from Zhang Jie challenges the traditional (1970s) Chinese view that a woman’s duty is to marry and raise a family. The protagonist has concerns about her relationship with a seemingly “ideal” man, questioning both their feelings for one another and the poor guy’s intelligence. After reflecting on memories of growing up and insights gained from her deceased mother’s diary, she reaches the progressive conclusion that remaining single and waiting for the right man is better than a loveless marriage. Themes: social pressure, marriage, the nature of love, mother-daughter relationships, courage, Communist ideology.
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