Literary Analysis: Boxers and Saints

The book Boxers and Saints presents a remarkable art of storytelling in which the author Gene Luen Yang presents two different stories in two volumes aimed to send a particular message. In essence, Yang in the book presents two different stories in two volumes with each story presenting different scenarios. However, despite their differences, the author remarkably weaves the two stories together such that while they are almost parallel to each other, both portray characters that are in search of a sense of belonging. This paper will as such look at how the author weaves the two stories together and the reason for this technique.

In the book, the author as suggested above tells two parallel stories focusing on two different characters. In the first volume, Yang tells the story of a Chinese peasant boy, Bao, whose village is raided and plundered by Westerners purporting to be missionaries. Inspired by Chinese gods, the young Bao joins a violent Chinese movement against the Western invaders (Yang and Pien 60-70). Despite the strength of the opponents, their uprising becomes successful. On the other side, in the second volume of the book, the author focuses on almost a different perspective on the conflict. In this volume, he tells the story of a young girl who feels indifferent towards her village and nation. Her village is invaded by Christian missionaries with whom she finds comfort. It is through the Christian missionaries that she finds her name, Vibiana that appears to offer her a sense of belonging (Yang and Pien 400). However, as the uprising gains momentum, she becomes conflicted as to whether to side with her people or her new found faith and friends.