Point of View

Happy narrates his move from a rural town to the city along with his best friend Wufu. Happy's opinion of the city transforms common birds into phoenixes as he sees the elements of common life in the city as symbols of advancement, luxury, and culture. He wishes to fulfill his mental image of himself in the city, as a cultured and educated man. He thus often judges and criticizes how Wufu and the other migrant laborers conduct themselves in the city. Much of the novel focuses on Happy's self praise and his constant comparison of the customs of the city to rural habits. These judgments extend to his characterization of Wufu as clumsy and uncouth and city folk as embodying class and propriety.

Happy's perspective on the city and the country changes as he begins to get to know the business men who rule the...