Urban China

“Extra,” “After a Life,” “The Princess of Nebraska,” and “Son” all take place, at least partially, within urban China. The urban space depicted by Li is an environment of poverty and joblessness juxtaposed with great wealth. While Granny Lin is forcibly retired from her factory job and must consider cutting back her meals in “Extra,” for example, Old Tang’s family can afford several, well-furnished apartments. This urban setting thus works to emphasize the economic inequality that exists because of and is perpetuated by the cronyism of the Communist Party.

Suburban China

Suburban China acts as settings in “Extra," "Love in the Marketplace,” and “Death is Not a Bad Joke If Told the Right Way.” Like in the urban settings, suburban China creates a stark contrast between the wealthy, who are generally connected to the Communist Party, and the poor. The rich tend to use suburban spaces...