Winnie’s Diasporic Experiences: A Journey for Searching a Better Life

Abstract

Diaspora has been a cultural issue for decades discussed in literary works. It is caused by many reasons including political, economic, and cultural factors. This study aims at analyzing the diaspora experienced by Winnie, the main character in The Kitchen’s God Wife Novel. This study belongs to a qualitative study involving four steps: (a) reading the novel, (b) identifying the data in the form of dialogues and monologues, (c) classifying the data, and (d) analyzing the data. Based on the findings, Winnie’s diaspora is caused by various conflicts in the homeland in which the war happened in China due to the Japan’s invasion to China. She and other Chinese people have to move from one city to another city because the war has affected many areas in China. Their lives are obstructed because there are many chaotic situations in many fields including economic, transportation, and social welfare. She is lucky as she leaves China right before the borders are sealed from other countries. Moreover, another issue is also highlighted in the story; her father is accused for being a traitor because he has a business connection with Japan. These facts become the reasons she does diaspora. In conclusion, Winnie’s journey in leaving China is not easy but she believes that leaving China and living in the United States of America (USA) will make her life better.