Retrospective and Perspective on Immigrant Literature in the United States: Chinese American Writers in Focus

The changing demographics of American population has inspired scholars to engage with the literary genre of immigrant literature in the United States (U.S.) to discuss language hybridity, cultural exchange, transnational migration, and various worldviews. This article examines the stages of immigrant literature in the U.S., analyzes the development of immigrant theories, and proposes that this genre begins to diffuse the traditional lineal narration as its endings and themes increasingly challenge the teleological reassurances made to homogeneous America. Still, the genre is trying to free itself from the simple binary dichotomy of juxtaposing its texts with the Anglo-Saxon works to expand its scope by conducting comparisons among various ethnic groups. Spotlighting Chinese American writers, the article also illuminates that they not only carve out a distinct literary space but also reveal defining features of immigrant literature in the U.S. Strongly influenced by the changes of world politics and economy, immigrant literature in the U.S. is also undergoing a paradigm shift. While more immigrants are denied entry by restrictionists, immigrant writers endeavor to vividly depict a more pluralistic society.