In the Land of the Free

“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.

In what way is the title of “In the Land of the Free” meant to be ironic? What does Eaton’s narrative indicate for the reader about the possibilities and limitations of freedom?

The main characters of “In the Land of the Free” are Chinese, while the secondary characters are all white. What is the effect of telling this story from a Chinese American perspective? What does this perspective demonstrate about the functions of whiteness in American society?

Throughout the narrative, Eaton demonstrates the tense and sometimes contradictory relationship between the written law and its application. What critique does the story make about legal structures, especially regarding nonwhite subjects?

At the end of the story, the reader is informed that Little One has become happy in his home at the mission, and he is fearful of his own mother. Do you think Little One should return to his family? Why or why not? What do you think will be the effects of his extended separation from his birth family?

James Clancy is a complicated character and easy to vilify. Compose an argument that details Clancy’s motivations and addresses whether he is a sympathetic character. Is taking advantage of an unjust system justifiable? Use evidence from the text to support your position.

Embedded in the text is the notion that what is legally correct may not always be “good” or “right.” Identify and analyze an example from the text that emphasizes the contradiction between what is correct and what is good. Can you think of any additional examples from our current moment that highlight this contradiction? Compare your contemporary example with the moment from the text.