In the Land of the Free

In a great deal of American literature, Asian women are stereotypically depicted as subservient and obedient (when they are depicted at all). In what ways does Lae Choo adhere to this stereotypical characterization, and how does she resist this stereotype and showcase her agency?

“In the Land of the Free” was written during an era rife with anti-Asian and anti-Chinese rhetoric in the Americas. Discuss the argument Eaton may have been making about the position of Chinese immigrants in North America. How does her story intervene in anti-Asian discourse?

Describe the various ways that language is used in Eaton’s narrative. How does she convey that her characters are multilingual? How do they adapt their language depending on the situation? Use at least three examples from the text.