Yee Bow by Edgar Lee Masters (1916)
The poem presents the voice of a Chinese immigrant reflecting on his experiences in a small American town. He recounts being forced into a Sunday school, where he faced pressure to abandon his cultural beliefs in favor of Christianity. The speaker expresses a sense of alienation and conflict between his heritage and the dominant culture. A pivotal moment occurs when he is violently attacked by the minister's son, which symbolizes the broader societal rejection and violence faced by those who are different. This assault not only physically harms him but also metaphorically seals his fate, preventing him from returning to his homeland and ensuring that he will not be honored or remembered by future generations. The speaker's lament highlights themes of cultural dislocation, identity, and the harsh realities of immigrant life. The poem captures the struggle between maintaining one's cultural identity and the pressures to conform to a new society, ultimately leading to a sense of loss and despair. The imagery of being unable to rest with his ancestors underscores the deep emotional and spiritual consequences of his experiences.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 123 words
First lines
They got me into the Sunday school In Spoon River And tried to get me to drop Confucius for Jesus.
I could have been no worse off If I had tried to get them to drop Jesus for Confucius.
For, without any warning, as if it were a prank, And sneaking up behind me, Harry Wiley, The minister's son, caved my ribs into my lungs, With a blow of his fist.
Now I shall never sleep with my ancestors in Pekin, And no children shall worship at my grave.
What this Textopian page supports
Yee Bow is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Autobiographical
- Length: 123 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and thematic depth.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of identity, culture, and conflict, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and religious beliefs, reflecting on cultural tensions.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and references to cultural figures suggest a historical context, though it is not the primary focus.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Symbolism · Free Verse · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary · Human Nature · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil · Existential Crisis · Mortality · Regret