Traditional culture confronted by modern western life style in east wind: west wind

Following the old Chinese custom, Kwei-lan's family had betrothed her to her future husband even before she was born. Kwei-lan and her family believe in the ancient traditions and ways, but her husband, who has been educated abroad for twelve years, believes in equality and in the modern trends and democratic practices of the West. From this division of allegiance comes the basic conflict of the story. This conflict was a vital problem in twentieth century, China and was especially perplexing in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Kwei-lan also has an older brother who has been studying and living in the United States. He has married an American woman (Mary) without the approval of his parents. Since they will not approve of her, Kwei-lan's brother brings Mary to her house, where the two of them can live while waiting for their parents to come around. So Kwei-lan is surrounded on all sides by those who are opening to the modern world. Meanwhile, Mary must adapt herself to life in what is still a very traditional society.