Agnes Smedley's novel Daughter of Earth tells the story of a young Chinese woman named Scarlet Yu-lan, who is born and lives a life of hardship as a peasant in rural China. This semi-autobiographical novel follows Yu-lan as she struggles to overcome poverty, oppressive customs and traditions, and male domination.
The novel opens with Yu-lan exploring a dream of becoming an artist, defying the expectations of her family and the villagers. She views art as the vehicle that will provide her with the freedom to express herself and provide a more meaningful life than what she currently lives. But society does not approve of her desire and actively discourages her, demanding that she focus her energy on tending to domestic chores such as cooking and cleaning.
Not to be dissuaded by societal pressure, Yu-lan stands up repeatedly for herself and despite extreme obstacles, she eventually is able to attend school. Though she views this as a major breakthrough in her quest for autonomy, she soon discovers that even the classroom is organized in terms of class and gender, with girls being assigned to different duties and activities than boys, her creativity stifled at every turn.
Tiring of the restrictions placed on her, Yu-lan takes a job in a city and there she slowly she moves up the economic class ladder, her hard work producing better wages and better living conditions. Throughout her rise, however, she constantly comes in contact with men who try to manipulate or control her. Despite numerous painful relationships and misfortunes, Yu-lan refuses to be held back and continues to focus on finding a way to actualize her dream.
Finally, Yu-lan joins the Women’s Nationalist Movement and fights alongside other Chinese women for freedom and liberation. Yu-lan’s story is one of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. She struggles against poverty, oppression, and gender inequality and eventually emerges victorious not only over her own society but also against herself. By taking a stand and refusing to be a slave to the constrictions she faces, Yu-lan is able to find the strength to reach for her dreams and eventually gain her freedom.
Daughter of Earth is an inspiring tale that offers lessons in struggling against adversity and pushing back against a system that seeks to oppress. It’s a story of female empowerment, courage, and determination that speaks to contemporary audiences and encourages readers to be bold and daring in the pursuit of their dreams.
