The Case of Ho Ling by Thomas Burke
A Chinese man named Ho Ling, living in Limehouse, longs to return to his homeland but faces indifference from the local community despite his respectable demeanor. His attempts to seek help from influential figures are met with refusal, leaving him frustrated and desperate. In a drastic turn, he abandons his previously mild behavior and begins to act out, engaging in public misdemeanors to draw attention to his plight. This change in conduct ultimately leads the authorities to intervene, and they decide to send him back to China at their expense, fulfilling his desire to return home. The narrative explores themes of cultural dislocation, the struggle for identity, and the complexities of societal norms.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 281 words
First lines
Truly the ways of mandarins are inscrutable. My estimable and upright friend, Ho Ling, Long had desired to return to his own country. He bore himself in Limehouse without reproach, A reputable stranger, mild of manner and gentle of address. Against him none could bring a charge or speak a word of upbraiding. He conformed in all ways to the laws of correct conduct.
Yet when he sought assistance to return to his own country, Being without means, And hung at the ear of notable men who could help him, They refused to hear him, And would in no way help him to go where his heart was set. Even the charitable ones regretted That his case was not for them.
What this Textopian page supports
The Case of Ho Ling is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Burke, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Burke
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Historical Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 281 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Case of Ho Ling by Thomas Burke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Case of Ho Ling?
- How does this short story by Thomas Burke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores deep themes of identity, belonging, and societal norms, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques societal attitudes towards immigrants and the challenges they face, reflecting social issues.
- Drama — The emotional and moral struggles of the protagonist create a dramatic tension throughout the narrative.
- Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, the story reflects the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · investigation · suspense · thriller · fiction · London · 20th century · short story · pulp fiction · noir