Profiles from China By: Eunice Tietjens (1884-1944)
Profiles from China by Eunice Tietjens offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds in China. Tietjens, an insightful and skilled writer, takes readers on a remarkable journey through the pages of this book, offering profound observations and thought-provoking anecdotes. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Tietjens' ability to bring her subjects to life. Through her eloquent prose, she creates a vivid portrayal of each person she encounters, capturing their essence and sharing their stories with incredible emotional depth and authenticity. As readers, we become deeply invested in the lives of these individuals, as Tietjens skillfully exposes their vulnerabilities, dreams, and struggles. Furthermore, Tietjens goes beyond mere profiles, delving into the complexities of Chinese culture, history, and politics. Her extensive research is evident as she provides rich context, shedding light on the social, economic, and political realities that shape the lives of her subjects. This comprehensive approach adds depth and substance to the narratives, allowing readers to not only connect on a personal level but also gain a deeper understanding of China as a nation. Another remarkable aspect of Profiles from China is Tietjens' ability to bridge the gap between the Chinese subjects and a Western audience. She skillfully navigates the nuances of cultural differences, encouraging empathy and understanding. Through her writing, Tietjens breaks down stereotypes and encourages readers to see beyond surface-level assumptions, fostering a sense of global connectedness in an increasingly diverse world. While Profiles from China is undoubtedly a well-crafted and masterfully written book, one minor limitation is its brevity. Tietjens' concise approach, while keeping the narrative engaging, leaves some readers yearning for more. It would have been fascinating to delve even deeper into the personal stories and explore additional perspectives, but this is a minor critique in an otherwise exceptional work. Overall, Profiles from China is a captivating and enlightening read that offers a remarkable glimpse into the lives of individuals from China. Tietjens' perceptive writing, meticulous research, and ability to foster empathy make this book a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, and perhaps even reevaluating their own preconceived notions. First Page: PROFILES FROM CHINA Sketches in Free Verse of People and Things Seen in the Interior by EUNICE TIETJENS 1917 To My Mother CONTENTS PROEM The Hand FROM THE INTERIOR Cormorants A Scholar The Story Teller The Well The Abandoned God The Bridge The Shop My Servant The Feast The Beggar Interlude The City Wall Woman Our Chinese Acquaintance The Spirit Wall The Most Sacred Mountain The Dandy New China: The Iron Works Spring Meditation Chinese New Year ECHOES Crepuscule Festival of the Dragon Boats Kang Yi Poetics A Lament of Scarlet Cloud The Son of Heaven The Dream Fêng Shui CHINA OF THE TOURISTS Reflections in a Ricksha The Camels The Connoisseur: An American Sunday in the British Empire: Hong Kong On the Canton River Boat The Altar of Heaven The Chair Ride The Sikh Policeman: a British Subject The Lady of Easy Virtue: an American In the Mixed Court: Shanghai Proem Profiles from China The Hand As you sit so, in the firelight, your hand is the color of new bronze. I cannot take my eyes from your hand; In it, as in a microcosm, the vast and shadowy Orient is made visible. Who shall read me your hand? You are a large man, yet it is small and narrow, like the hand of a woman and the paw of a chimpanzee... Continue reading book >>

Profiles from China By: Eunice Tietjens (1884-1944)

Profiles from China by Eunice Tietjens offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds in China. Tietjens, an insightful and skilled writer, takes readers on a remarkable journey through the pages of this book, offering profound observations and thought-provoking anecdotes.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Tietjens' ability to bring her subjects to life. Through her eloquent prose, she creates a vivid portrayal of each person she encounters, capturing their essence and sharing their stories with incredible emotional depth and authenticity. As readers, we become deeply invested in the lives of these individuals, as Tietjens skillfully exposes their vulnerabilities, dreams, and struggles.

Furthermore, Tietjens goes beyond mere profiles, delving into the complexities of Chinese culture, history, and politics. Her extensive research is evident as she provides rich context, shedding light on the social, economic, and political realities that shape the lives of her subjects. This comprehensive approach adds depth and substance to the narratives, allowing readers to not only connect on a personal level but also gain a deeper understanding of China as a nation.

Another remarkable aspect of Profiles from China is Tietjens' ability to bridge the gap between the Chinese subjects and a Western audience. She skillfully navigates the nuances of cultural differences, encouraging empathy and understanding. Through her writing, Tietjens breaks down stereotypes and encourages readers to see beyond surface-level assumptions, fostering a sense of global connectedness in an increasingly diverse world.

While Profiles from China is undoubtedly a well-crafted and masterfully written book, one minor limitation is its brevity. Tietjens' concise approach, while keeping the narrative engaging, leaves some readers yearning for more. It would have been fascinating to delve even deeper into the personal stories and explore additional perspectives, but this is a minor critique in an otherwise exceptional work.

Overall, Profiles from China is a captivating and enlightening read that offers a remarkable glimpse into the lives of individuals from China. Tietjens' perceptive writing, meticulous research, and ability to foster empathy make this book a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, and perhaps even reevaluating their own preconceived notions.

First Page:

PROFILES FROM CHINA

Sketches in Free Verse of People and Things Seen in the Interior

EUNICE TIETJENS

1917

To My Mother

CONTENTS

PROEM The Hand

FROM THE INTERIOR Cormorants A Scholar The Story Teller The Well The Abandoned God The Bridge The Shop My Servant The Feast The Beggar Interlude The City Wall Woman Our Chinese Acquaintance The Spirit Wall The Most Sacred Mountain The Dandy New China: The Iron Works Spring Meditation Chinese New Year

ECHOES Crepuscule Festival of the Dragon Boats Kang Yi Poetics A Lament of Scarlet Cloud The Son of Heaven The Dream Fêng Shui

CHINA OF THE TOURISTS Reflections in a Ricksha The Camels The Connoisseur: An American Sunday in the British Empire: Hong Kong On the Canton River Boat The Altar of Heaven The Chair Ride The Sikh Policeman: a British Subject The Lady of Easy Virtue: an American In the Mixed Court: Shanghai

Proem

Profiles from China

The Hand

As you sit so, in the firelight, your hand is the color of new bronze. I cannot take my eyes from your hand; In it, as in a microcosm, the vast and shadowy Orient is made visible. Who shall read me your hand?

You are a large man, yet it is small and narrow, like the hand of a woman and the paw of a chimpanzee... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Poetry

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Wikipedia – Eunice Tietjens
Wikipedia – Profiles from China

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