Typical American

Helen grew up in China in a happy, loving household. Her older twin sister died at birth, and Helen was sick often enough to keep people worried and ensure they doted on her at all times. Helen was so loved that “her life ambition was to stay home forever” (44). She worried about marriage and the prospect of leaving home. She was sent to America with Theresa.

While Theresa searches for her missing brother Ralph, Helen stays at home, terrified she might wear out her limited set of clothes. She plans to wait until the communists are defeated and then return home. Theresa embraces the local culture and food, but Helen remains withdrawn for a long time. Eventually she begins to study English, she finds a job, and she buys new clothes. She marries Ralph and sees their union as a sign that she must make herself at home in exile.

Theresa and Ralph’s enthusiastic embrace of America slowly infects Helen. The brother and sister talk forcefully, and Helen finds it difficult to make herself heard. They move into a new apartment together and are worried by the number of African Americans in the neighborhood. Later, they will look back on their prejudice with regret.