“Here, John.” The demon unbuttoned his coat and reached into his pants pocket, but Father shook his head.
“No tip. Happy just to look at horseless.”
The demon stopped and studied Father as you might look at a dog that had suddenly said he was going to the opera. “Well, I'll be damned,” he said. He reached into a pocket of his waistcoat and took out a card, and handed it to Father with a flourish. “I can use honest handymen like you. You come around anytime, you sabe me?”
“Me sabe.” Father nodded.
—Dragonwings,
Laurence Yep
How does the passage show the lack of understanding between white people and Chinese people at this time?
Father does not accept the man’s tip.
Father is glad he is able to look at the horseless.
The man gives Father his business card.
The man is amazed Father would help for free.
1 answer
The passage shows the lack of understanding between white people and Chinese people at this time by portraying the surprise and confusion of the demon towards Father's actions. The demon is amazed that Father does not accept his tip and offers him his business card, as he cannot comprehend why Father would be willing to help without expecting anything in return. This highlights the cultural differences and expectations between the two groups, indicating a lack of understanding between them.
4 answers