In her book Mrs. Spring Fragrance, Sui Sin Far extensively explores the subject of racism, assimilation, and the alienation of Chinese Americans in the United States. Despite focusing on the Chinese citizens the book also describes the struggles of the Native Americans. In a lighthearted tone Far convincingly describes the process of cultural assimilation when one is born with two cultural identities. Many people who leave their native countries are faced with the same predicament.
By using an array of characters mainly the Spring Fragrances’ Far describes the tension behind assimilating into new customs. The Spring Fragrances’ are having a hard time incorporating the culture of their adopted country (America) and that of their native country (China). Mr. Spring Fragrance is concerned at the rate at which his wife is learning the Western language and culture. He is convinced that his wife will soon forget all Chinese traditions and adapt to Western culture. Unlike his wife, Mr. Spring Fragrance can hardly interpret simple American words.
In the book, Far portrays two different views into Americanization. White Americans encourage Americanization but regard intermarriages as disgusting and horrific. White Americans applaud Chinese individuals to assimilate themselves but refuse to allow them to pursue romantic relationships with the whites, specifically white women. Across the text, biracial children of Chinese and white descent are greatly mistreated. It is considered a disgrace when Chinese men and white women pursue romantic relationships.
Using different characters Far’s writings portray the pressure associated not only with assimilation into a new culture but also the dire backlash of intermarriages. Being Chinese American herself, the author has known firsthand the struggles of being born into two cultures which she vividly expresses in this book.
