From Chin to Chee: An Evolution of the Asian American Literary Canon Público

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of Asian American literature from its early inceptions to contemporary, twenty-first century works. I explore the formation of the field through pivotal texts such as Aiiieeeee!: an Anthology of Asian American Writers and The Big Aiiieeeee!, with a focus on the effect these historical texts have had on the field for posterity. I analyze what elements the original editors and scholars viewed as essential for canonical texts and how contemporary scholars have adapted to those expectations. From these expectations, I question what the purpose of the canon is and how these varying purposes integrate issues of representation, genre, and mainstream success. I further examine how the canon itself has evolved to better represent the Asian American community while still maintaining the foundation that was established in the 1970s.

I focus on two contemporary novels: Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere and Alexander Chee’s Edinburgh. I explore how these authors and their works represent an evolution of the field, combining the resistance of early Asian Americans with the intersectionality of contemporary Asian Americans. Specifically, I analyze these texts using the dichotomy of real and fake that Frank Chin introduced as a means to judge Asian American authors. I argue that these moral judgements and gatekeeping tactics are symptomatic of white supremacy and that tradition and modernity do not need to be at odds with each other.

Lastly, I explore the future trajectory of the canon and how Asian American authors will continue to evolve their writing. I examine the potential post-racialist critical lens that some scholars have adopted and propose themes that will serve as connections between contemporary Asian American authors. Specifically, I argue that fire is a major crossover between Little Fires and Edinburgh, as the authors explore the cathartic and cleansing nature of the element.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter One: Canon Formation and Function 7

Origins 7

Intentions and Purpose 13

Power of Representation 20

Chapter Two: Little Fires Everywhere and the Universal Experience 33

Chapter Three: Edinburgh and the Individual Experience 45

Epilogue 62

Works Cited 69

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	English
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Literature, Asian Asian American Studies Literature, American
Palabra Clave	Canon Fire Aiiieeeee! Representation Asian American Contemporary Literature Alexander Chee American Literature Celeste Ng
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Catherine Nickerson, Emory University
Committee Members	Mandy Suhr-Sytsma, Emory University Ellen Gough, Emory University

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