Shen of the Sea derives much of its humor by poking fun at various social classes, attitudes, and behaviors. It gives the impression that Asian fathers spoil their sons, and several stories feature Chinese men who have been so spoiled that they are unable to think rationally for themselves. Some stories feature women as heroines, while others display a more negative image of the feminine role. For example, the names of the men in a family are listed, but the wife's name "has been forgotten." There is humor here but also an indication of the secondary role women played in traditional Chinese culture. Women do occasionally get their revenge, as when an unfortunate man is overwhelmed with his wife's demands: "If you don't do what I want," she threatens, "I will beat you up."