Typical American: Analysis of Major Characters
"Typical American: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics and struggles of the Chang family, particularly through the lens of cultural identity and the pursuit of the American Dream. Central to the narrative is Ralph Chang, a Chinese immigrant and professor whose journey reflects themes of ambition, mediocrity, and the consequences of unchecked greed. His aspirations lead him to open a fried chicken restaurant, but his decisions ultimately bring hardship to his family.
Theresa Chang, Ralph's sister, embodies resilience and sacrifice, having supported Ralph throughout his struggles while quietly forging her own path as a medical doctor. Helen Chang, Ralph's wife, grapples with her identity amidst societal pressures, ultimately drawn into an affair that highlights the limitations imposed on women in a male-dominated world. Grover Ding, a Chinese American businessman, serves as a cunning antagonist whose manipulation exacerbates Ralph's downfall, symbolizing the darker side of the pursuit of success.
Lastly, Henry Chao, Ralph's colleague, adds a layer of complexity with his relationship with Theresa, representing a potential for positive change in her life. Together, these characters weave a narrative rich in cultural nuances, reflecting the challenges faced by immigrants and the intricate interplay of personal and societal ambitions.
Typical American: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Gish Jen
First published: 1991
Genre: Novel
Locale: China and the United States
Plot: Social realism
Time: Late 1940's to early 1970's
Ralph Chang, originally known as Yifeng (Intent on the Peak) in China but given the name Ralph (which he discovers means “a kind of dog”) in America. He is a professor of mechanical engineering. He is portrayed as having mediocre talents, pathetic beginnings, and modest aspirations. Ostensibly, he is a male chauvinist. He becomes obsessed with financial success and positive thinking, leading him to open a fried chicken restaurant with the help of a Chinese American businessman (Grover Ding). In the process, he miscalculates and plunges his family into misery. He is an allegorical figure of unbridled freedom and greed.
Theresa Chang, Ralph's sister. She saved Ralph when he was down and out and helped him complete his education. She also made it possible for him to get married, rear some children, and own a house. Having struggled quietly to become a medical doctor, she falls in love with a patient, a married man who happens to be her brother's colleague. She acquires a larger-than-life stature as she falls victim to her brother's sanctimonious abuses. She is fond of cats.
Helen Chang, Ralph's wife, who was reared in an affluent family in Shanghai. Too intent on conforming to American standards of the good life, she finds herself seduced by Grover Ding, thus incurring the vengeful anger of Ralph when her secret is discovered. Helen epitomizes the desires of a woman and her limits in a world manipulated by men.
Grover Ding, a Chinese American businessman who was born in the United States. Sly, greedy, and arrogant, he induces Ralph to pursue a business of his own, seduces his wife, and hastens Ralph's financial ruin by withholding vital information about the restaurant. As the villain of the novel, Grover is the agent of negative change. Grover is also the name that Ralph gives, in commemoration of Grover Ding's trickery, to a dog he is raising; the dog is trained by Ralph to attack cats.
Henry Chao, Ralph's colleague and department chair. He has an ongoing extramarital affair with Theresa and is genuinely concerned about her. Rejuvenating Theresa's life and enabling her to live for herself rather than merely for others, he can be seen as an agent of positive change.