logo

55 pages 1 hour read

The Fortunes

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 1Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Gold: Celestial Railroad”

Part 1, Chapter 1 Summary

Ling is riding on a train with Charles Crocker, one of the major barons of the Central Pacific Railway. Although he thinks that he should be directing his attention out of the train’s windows to ascertain whether the hills they are traveling through are, in fact, made of gold, he cannot manage to look away from Charles, his employer. Ling is wearing a new suit and thinks back to when Charles bought it for him. Charles had been happy with the suit and exclaimed, “Clothes make the man!” (4).

Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

The narrative moves back in time to tell the story of Ling’s arrival in the US. Ling’s mother had been a Chinese sex worker and his father a foreigner. His mother, who was from a semi-nomadic fishing community looked down upon by the majority Han Chinese, died in childbirth, and Ling’s father sold him to a man who sold opium and managed sex workers. When Ling grew older, this man arranged passage for him to travel to the United States and work in the fast-growing world of gold mining.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 55 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools