Travel Essays · Character

The Chinese

Chinese immigrants encountered in California.

minor

Also known as the despised Chinese, The Chinese

The Chinese shows up with force in Early Impressions. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Not directly present in this chapter, but the narrator's reflections on emigration and labor may implicitly reference broader immigrant groups.

In the storyEarly ImpressionsOpen this moment free

The Chinese first appears in 0084 san francisco.

In Early Impressions: Not directly present in this chapter, but the narrator's reflections on emigration and labor may implicitly reference broader immigrant groups.

Later, in Across the Plains: Stevenson comments on the Chinese laborers he sees, reflecting on their marginalized status and the prejudice they face.

See The Chinese in Early Impressions Book page

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Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how The Chinese sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

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Other

Character groups

Extended Cast of Travels and History
American and Mexican Encounters
Camisard and Religious Figures

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage marks the dramatic climax because it reverses the narrator’s initial expectation of confrontation…

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In the story

The Chinese appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Early Impressions
Not directly present in this chapter, but the narrator's reflections on emigration and labor may implicitly reference broader immigrant groups.
Across the Plains
Stevenson comments on the Chinese laborers he sees, reflecting on their marginalized status and the prejudice they face.
Leaves from the Notebook of an Emigrant Between New York and San Francisco
Mentioned in the context of the narrator's reflections on race and prejudice, though not directly encountered in this chapter.
The Emigrant Train
The Chinese are segregated into a separate car on the train, mentioned as part of the sorting process.
Fellow-Passengers
Noted as having the least offensive car on the train, representing one wave of emigration from the East.
Despised Races
Observed with respect and wonder; their ancient civilization and cleanliness contrasted with the prejudice of fellow passengers.
Monterey
Mentioned in the context of Kearney's campaign against Chinese labour; also described as part of the local scene with joss-sticks and opium pipes.
The Woods and the Pacific
Mentioned in the context of Chinatown and the hamlet where joss-sticks burn and opium pipes are smoked.
Mexicans, Americans, and Indians
Described as having taught the youth of California the use of opium, and noted as a presence in the local population.
San Francisco
Described as a distinct community with their own quarter, shops, and joss-house.
The Toll House
The Chinese cook glimpsed in the back parts of the inn, and a Chinese desperado encountered among the stage passengers.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Chinese in San Francisco

See The Chinese in Early Impressions