The Confucian Code although a philosophy, established value and moral principles of Chinese government. In the novel Women of the Silk, the main character Pei and her family conducted themselves in society in a way that is similar to the Confucian Code. .
Confucian ideas were mainly about social order, harmony and the worship of family ancestors. Three major parts of the Confucian Code were the Ren, Li and Junzi. The Ren stressed that people practice love and kindness. This love and kindness is shown in respect and loyalty to other such as parents, friends and leaders. The Li was based along the lines of humanness. Everyone needed to show respect, kindness and good faith, not only in ceremony, but in everyday interaction with family and friends. The Junzi means "superior person" or and individual who understands humanness and practices ritual. Perhaps the most important to Confucianism are the five virtues; uprightness, decorum, wisdom, faithfulness and respect for parents and ancestors. Everyone's position in society was defined by his or her interaction with the others. (Witcomb and Benson, pg.87).
Knowing most of the key concepts of the Confucian Code makes is easier to look into Pei's family and discover the relationship between the two. Another important concept in Confucian China was the restricting gender roles. These roles become apparent in Women of the Silk and in Pei's family. In the first scene of the book, Pei's .
mother is giving birth to a new baby. The importance of the baby is placed on his or her gender, for if a boy it will be able to uphold the family name and provide for the family. If the baby happened to be a girl the family would be disappointed. Many times in China infant females were killed. These genders roles are brought up continuously throughout the novel. For most Chinese women at that time, including Pei, were sent to work in silk factories. When the time came around, the family would send for their daughter.
