American Born Chinese Handout

What is Marxist Theory in Literature?

It is a theory that is based on class differences, economic and social conflicts, as well as free market and

other capitalist ideals.

Where did Marxism come from?

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are most often associated as the creators of the theory.

What can using a Marxist lens show me about American Born Chinese and other works of

literature?

Using this lens can help to reveal inequalities due to culture of social classes in regard to work and value.

It seems as if a large chunk of this theory is based on the commodification, “the transformation of goods,

services, ideas and people into commodities or objects of trade” (Wikipedia) of these concepts –which

cultures, languages, socio-ideals are “more valuable” and can then be traded for prestige, happiness, love,

and well-being.

In American Born Chinese there is a definite commodification of culture and class. Chinese culture /

Monkey Culture is depicted as the proletariat (the workers) while the American / The Great Sage, Equal

of Heaven culture is the most sought after “bourgeoisie” (middle-class; class of power). Little did both

characters know that not only was there a grave price to pay to attempt to switch classes, but in both

cases, they were not accepted in their new class. Ultimately, they both made peace with their social and

cultural standing and assigned their own value to them.

Work cited
En.wikipedia.org. (2019). Commodification. [online] Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodification [Accessed 11 Feb. 2019].

• In the narrative, what is shown as having value?

• How is that “valuable commodity” being used to further one’s status in the narrative?
• Try using the lens to an episode of your favorite show, or even a song. Marxism goes way
deeper than I have explained and there are many facets of it to uncover and apply, but for me I
wanted to give an analysis using the class/cultural/value aspects.