ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 presents the layers of consciousness in each of Han’s six-volume autobiographical series. It also presents Han’s perception of the Chinese consciousness as displayed in China’s difficult path to modernisation. The chapter tracks down to the root of Han Suyin’s enthusiasm in measuring up for her self-appointed role as an East-West cultural envoy. In her memoirs, she aptly defused the perceived crippleness of the East in the eyes of the West and stubbornly instilled hope amidst the deadlock in East-West relations. During wars and instabilities, she wrote profusely about the opportunities for China to reorientate and rebuild. She believes the “salvation” of China is her own redemption. In her account of a recreated modern China, radical changes, dialectics, and the people’s will to live were among the elements of the evolution. Her model of East-West relations encompassed three concepts: observe the principle of equality, appreciate China’s originality, and celebrate her continuity. Even though her argument may fall short of addressing today’s context of international relations, her literary efforts should not be easily dismissed, for her memoirs promote a great sense of self-respect, a genuine love for one’s motherland, as well as a shared responsibility for the future of humanity.
