What are the main plotlines related to having a son? Consider the perspectives of Spinster Aunt, Miss Chen, Doctor Wong, Midwife Shi, Lady Kuo, and Meiling and Yunxian. Were these characters out for his or her own self-interest?

The importance of having a son was critical in ancient China. It still is in many countries and cultures around the world. What are the main plotlines in the novel related to this issue? Consider the perspectives of Spinster Aunt, Miss Chen, Doctor Wong, Midwife Shi, Lady Kuo, and Meiling and Yunxian. Were these characters out for his or her own self-interest?

What are the main plotlines related to having a son? Consider the perspectives of Spinster Aunt, Miss Chen, Doctor Wong, Midwife Shi, Lady Kuo, and Meiling and Yunxian. Were these characters out for his or her own self-interest?

In some ways, every character was affected by the importance of having a son born. Having a boy child, was desired by all the women in this story since that birth would insure their protection by the dominate male in the household. If a male child was born it was considered an honor. A male child would continue the family lineage.

Dr. Wong, in my opinion, took this having a son to another level. His perspective on this whole process brought him power and glory. It contributed to greed as well.

I could understand the perspectives of the women but not Dr. Wong's. He was despicable in his greed and quest for recognition/fame.

It is very clear that males are preferred during this time, it's hard to think about being disappointed that you deliver a girl. In the historical context, I can comprehend it, but it clashes with my contemporary mindset.

I think Dr. Wong's actions were awful, but likely happened quite often. It also seems that women are mostly blamed for not being able to conceive or not being able to have a son.

I also wondered if there would be a situation where a female baby is swapped for a male baby.

It's also difficult to reconcile thoughts that a woman's primary purpose was to produce a male heir. Maybe that's why it's so interesting to have Yunxian practicing medicine, not just trying to get pregnant.