Sour Sweet: Analysis of Major Characters
"Sour Sweet" explores the complexities of immigrant life through its major characters, each representing different facets of the Chinese diaspora in England. At the center is Chen, a modestly ambitious man whose attempts to establish a stable life as a restaurant owner are undermined by his past dealings with the Triad underworld. His strong-willed wife, Lily, embodies traditional values but struggles with adjustment to English culture, ultimately contributing to her husband's tragic fate through her stubbornness and cultural arrogance.
Mui, Lily's older sister, offers a contrasting narrative; she initially appears submissive but adapts rapidly to her new environment and seeks independence, leading to personal transformation. The younger generation is represented by Man Kee, Chen and Lily's son, whose aspirations clash with his mother’s expectations for a more prestigious future. Supporting characters like Mrs. Law and Lo provide additional perspectives on cultural identity and community dynamics within the immigrant experience. Meanwhile, figures from the Triad, such as Red Cudgel and White Paper Fan, highlight the intersection of traditional values and the harsh realities of organized crime, creating a rich tapestry of conflict and survival in the face of adversity.
Sour Sweet: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Timothy Mo
First published: 1982
Genre: Novel
Locale: Central and South London
Plot: Social
Time: The 1960's
Chen, a Chinese émigré to England, a stocky, pale, unpre-possessing man with a round, bunlike face and a chubby torso atop short legs. He is only modestly ambitious and works his way up from menial jobs to the ownership of a tiny restaurant in a rundown suburb, where he settles down to create the perfect vegetable garden and to hide from a Triad family. Earlier, Chen had turned to the Triad society of the Chinese underworld for help in paying off his father's debts; in return, he has “helped” the society as a drug runner. His whereabouts are revealed to the society as a result of his wife's stubbornness, and Chen is murdered.
Lily, Chen's strong-willed and ambitious wife. Taller than the average Chinese woman (and possessing large hands and feet), Lily was trained by her father as a temple boxer and a traditional herbalist. Very much a traditionalist, she clings to her Chinese ways, arrogantly assuming that anything unfamiliar to her is inferior. She insulates herself from English culture with both ridiculous and disastrous results. When her son obeys her instructions to kick and bite the bullies at school, he is reprimanded for fighting dirty; worse, her refusal to learn about English law gets her into trouble with the district tax office. Her arrogance is Chen's death sentence: Refusing to obey his request that she omit their address on her monthly check to his father, she inadvertently informs the Triad society of Chen's location. She never finds out what happened to Chen and never discovers that she sent her husband to his death.
Mui, Lily's older sister, initially very much the dutiful, submissive, and compliant traditional Chinese woman. Paralyzed by culture shock when she is brought to England to help Lily and Chen, Mui learns English quickly and adjusts rapidly to English ways. Eventually, Mui bears a daughter out of wedlock (she refuses to identify the father), and later she marries Lo, a friend of the family.
Man Kee, the young son of Chen and Lily, educated in both English and Chinese schools. His ambition to be a gardener when he grows up infuriates Lily, who dreams of more impressive careers for her son.
Mrs. Law, a rich widow who takes an interest in Lily and Mui, whom she entertains frequently at lavish teas and dinners in restaurants. An old-fashioned Chinese woman, she views home hospitality as inferior to restaurant meals.
Lo, a barbecue chef who is Chen's only friend. The quiet and withdrawn Lo (whose wife ran off with another man) becomes a regular guest at the Chen home; eventually, he marries Mui.
Red Cudgel, the leader of a Triad gang that functions in London, a short, ugly, harsh-voiced man whose face is pock-marked, whose knuckles are calloused, and who is missing some fingers. He prefers expensive clothes and a chauffeured car. He believes in Chinese tradition (he insists on eating peasant food) and in the use of force.
White Paper Fan, Red Cudgel's deputy leader. A mild, scholarly man, White Paper Fan speaks French, English, and four Chinese dialects—all of which he learned in his travels around the world.
Grass Sandal, a former jet-setting model, now a Triad officer. Born to wealthy parents as Miranda Lai, she speaks a heavily accented English learned in convent and finishing schools. She is highly ambitious and single-minded; her only real interests are money, power, and sex.
Night Brother, once a foundling and street urchin, now the Triad officer in charge of public relations. He is amiable and cheerful, and he possesses abundant self-confidence.