Structure and Theme in Interior Chinatown

         Interior Chinatown is an inventive and unique novel that uses a creative approach to discuss topics of racism, identity and racial stereotypes. Yu structures the novel as a screenplay. This structure alludes to the theme of racism and stereotypes that is seen throughout the novel. The structure mirrors the experiences of Asian Americans that Yu is writing about. Being written like a script, Interior Chinatown touches on the idea of performance and how that relates to Asian American experiences and identity. As Yu mentions, Asian Americans often feel the pressure of fitting into a certain “role” to meet expectations and sticking with that role. In describing the different roles of Asian Americans, like “Kung Fu Guy”. Yu furthers his point of society's preemptive ideas of what Asian Americans should be and what their limits are. Having the character hierarchy for Willis Wu being stereotypes or caricatures with no individual identity or name, aids Yu in discussing Asian stereotypes. 

        The use of structure and character, display the expectation of the characters to fit into certain roles. The screenplay format makes it so the intended audience can see just how the characters want to be perceived by society and how they perceive themselves. Yu uses these techniques in his writing to create a way to elaborate on the topic of racism and stereotypes in a way that makes a reader think differently about the topic, using humor and specific situations that the reader can relate to and understand better. The characters, like actors in movies, have to force themselves to fit into predetermined roles like it's their job. The idea of not seeing yourself as the main character in your own life is something that really makes you think. Willis Wu having “Kung Fu Guy” be the highest role he believes he can achieve because of societal standards.  Dorothy Wu as Young Asian Woman on page 161 says “ There can be more.” Yu concludes by acknowledging the destruction of racial stereotypes and how the characters can now realize their identity and break out of the mold they were put in. They are no longer trapped in this script but can write their own story.