A House Divided | Themes

A House Divided Themes

Like Father, Like Son

As much as Wang Yuan does not want to be like his father, his foundation is molded by the man. Within the first chapter he refuses to cry and puts on a stoic face just like his father. However, he attributes his self-control to his training at the school of war. As much as Wang Yuan likes to think he cares for the common people, his inner thoughts reflect his true feelings. He is as arrogant as his father in his thinking. For example, after his quarrel with his father, he wants to run away the following morning. As he ponders his options, he remembers the small earthen house built by his grandfather. "The house was empty except for the two old tenants and he might go there," (p. 8). He gives no thought as to how the current occupants might feel because, like his father, he does not really...
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