Maxine, hong kigston and the notion of personal culture

Abstract

The thesis is an investigation of the possibility of personal culture in the autobiographical writings of Maxine Hong Kingston. If the subject matter of this thesis succeeds in it endeavors, it would defend Kingston from charges of cultural alchemy made by her critics. In my defense of Kingston, I have used the philosophy of John Dewey as a defining platform. With my import of Dewey, his notions of experience and culture are of particular interest. It is hoped that, with the concept of personal culture defined, the hybrid term Chinese American describes more so an American phenomenon as opposed to one that is foreign and exotic. Hence, Kingston is an American writer in the mainstream and not to be relegated to the genre of ethnic American literature. In fact, if it can be given that American culture is a diverse composite of cultures, the genre of ethic American literature is rendered misleading. In turn, the character of Kingston`s works and opinions reveal a political agenda, one that is fighting to resist the alienation and pigeon-holing of `ethnic` American literature. In short, Kingston and those sharing in the same genre as her, are part of the American experience.