In recent years, historical fiction has seen a resurgence of interest, particularly when it focuses on the untold stories of remarkable women throughout history. Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is one such novel that brings to life the extraordinary life of Tan Yunxian, a pioneering female physician in 15th-century China. Set in the Ming Dynasty, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women follows Yunxian’s journey as she rises above the societal restrictions placed on women to become a respected healer and medical innovator. Through a rich narrative of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience, Lisa See provides readers with a glimpse into a fascinating era and the remarkable women who shaped its history.
In this article, we’ll explore the key themes of the novel, its historical context, and the significance of Tan Yunxian’s life in shaping modern medical practices. Additionally, we’ll examine how Lady Tan’s Circle of Women fits within Lisa See’s broader body of work, which often features powerful stories of women navigating oppressive systems.
The Life of Tan Yunxian: A Real-Life Inspiration
Before delving into the narrative of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, it’s important to understand the real-life inspiration behind the character of Tan Yunxian. Born into a wealthy family in 1464, Tan Yunxian was raised during a time when women in China were expected to focus on domestic duties and were often excluded from intellectual pursuits, especially medicine. However, due to the death of her mother and her father’s inability to provide the same education as her maternal grandfather, Yunxian was fortunate enough to be mentored by her grandparents, who were both skilled physicians.
In a world where women’s voices were stifled, Yunxian became a pioneering physician in a male-dominated field. Her medical expertise, particularly in women’s health, helped her become one of the most well-known doctors in China at the time. Tan Yunxian’s contributions were so significant that she later wrote a medical text, Sayings of a Female Doctor, which remains one of the only known surviving works by a female physician from the Ming Dynasty.
While Tan Yunxian’s work was incredibly important for advancing the status of women in the field of medicine, much of her story has been lost to history. Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women aims to fill in those gaps by recreating a rich narrative that celebrates her legacy. The novel portrays her resilience in overcoming societal barriers and her deep commitment to helping others, particularly women, navigate their health challenges in a patriarchal society.
Themes of Friendship and Empowerment
At its core, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is about the transformative power of friendship and the unbreakable bond between women. Tan Yunxian’s life is shaped not just by her own personal journey but also by her relationships with other women. One of the central friendships in the novel is between Yunxian and her lifelong friend, Meiling, a midwife who trains under her. Throughout the story, the two women support each other emotionally and professionally, creating a circle of support that enables them to thrive in a world that constantly seeks to limit them.
The relationship between Yunxian and Meiling emphasizes the idea that women can only reach their full potential when they support and empower each other. In a time when women were often seen as inferior to men, their friendship became a cornerstone of both their personal and professional lives. The novel underscores that true strength comes not only from individual accomplishments but from the solidarity that women can offer one another.
Women’s Health in the Ming Dynasty
The novel also explores the role of women’s health during the Ming Dynasty, a period when most medical practitioners were men and women had limited access to proper healthcare. Women’s health, in particular, was often treated as secondary to that of men, and many women had no choice but to rely on midwives or informal healers rather than trained physicians. However, through the character of Yunxian, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women demonstrates the importance of women’s health and the unique approach that female physicians could bring to the field.
Yunxian’s medical expertise focused on treating conditions that were unique to women, including childbirth, menstruation, and other reproductive health issues. At the time, many of these topics were taboo or considered “unspeakable,” and therefore, women had little access to the medical care they needed. Tan Yunxian’s ability to treat women’s health issues with both compassion and scientific knowledge made her a trusted figure in the community. Her work challenged the belief that only men could be skilled in medicine and demonstrated the critical role that women could play in advancing healthcare.
Moreover, Tan Yunxian’s journey as a physician was marked by her determination to make medical knowledge more accessible to other women. As mentioned earlier, her Sayings of a Female Doctor was a groundbreaking text, providing practical medical advice to women on topics such as fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. This work was revolutionary not just because it was written by a woman, but because it addressed issues that were central to women’s lives but had been neglected by the mainstream medical community.
The Role of Women in 15th-Century China
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is set against the backdrop of the Ming Dynasty, a time when women were largely confined to the domestic sphere. Their lives were dictated by rigid social norms, which often left little room for personal autonomy or self-expression. Marriage and family were viewed as a woman’s primary responsibilities, and women were expected to be obedient, subservient, and focused on household duties. In many ways, Tan Yunxian’s decision to pursue a career in medicine was an act of rebellion against the traditional expectations of women.
However, it’s also important to note that during this period, the role of women was not entirely limited to the home. Although women were generally excluded from formal education and public life, they could still wield significant influence within their families and communities. In some cases, women were able to gain power through their connections to men, particularly as wives or mothers. For example, many women served as advisors to their husbands or sons and could exert indirect influence over political matters.
Tan Yunxian’s story is one of overcoming these limitations and using her skills as a physician to carve out her own place in a society that largely denied women the opportunity to do so. By becoming a highly respected physician, she not only defied traditional gender roles but also helped to pave the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in medicine.
Historical Context: The Ming Dynasty
Understanding the historical context of the Ming Dynasty is essential for fully appreciating Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was a period of great cultural and technological advancement in China. During this time, Chinese society was highly stratified, with clear distinctions between the ruling elite and the common people. The ruling class was composed of scholar-officials who passed rigorous civil service exams, while the majority of the population lived in poverty and had limited access to education or healthcare.
Despite the advancements made in art, literature, and technology, the Ming Dynasty also saw the reinforcement of Confucian social values, which placed women in a subservient position. This is why the story of Tan Yunxian is so significant—it demonstrates how, even in the face of such rigid social structures, women could still make profound contributions to society.
The Ming Dynasty was also marked by significant shifts in medical practices. Chinese medicine, with its emphasis on herbal remedies, acupuncture, and holistic care, was deeply ingrained in society. However, the medical field was still very much dominated by male practitioners. It was extremely rare for women to be formally trained in medicine, and those who chose to pursue this path often faced significant opposition from both family and society.
Tan Yunxian’s ability to gain recognition as a respected physician in this environment speaks volumes about her skill and determination. She didn’t simply navigate these challenges—she actively sought to redefine the role of women in medicine.
Comparison: Lisa See’s Other Works
Lisa See is known for her ability to craft stories that center on the experiences of women, particularly in historical contexts where women faced significant challenges. Like Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, her previous works also explore themes of female empowerment, resilience, and the complexities of female relationships.
For example, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan explores the bond between two women in 19th-century China who communicate using a secret language known as “nu shu.” This novel highlights the isolation of women in Chinese society and the ways in which they find support and strength in one another despite societal constraints.
Similarly, The Island of Sea Women is set on the island of Jeju in South Korea and tells the story of female divers who risk their lives to harvest seafood. The novel examines themes of friendship, betrayal, and resilience, showcasing the unique challenges that women in these communities faced.
In each of her works, See delves into the lives of women who must navigate oppressive systems and fight for autonomy. In Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, she continues this tradition by highlighting the story of a woman who not only defied societal expectations but also changed the course of medical history.
Conclusion
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is a masterful work of historical fiction that brings to life the inspiring story of Tan Yunxian, a trailblazing female physician in 15th-century China. Through this novel, Lisa See explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of women’s solidarity. Tan Yunxian’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge, determination, and support from others. Set against the backdrop of the Ming Dynasty, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women reminds readers of the importance of pushing against societal limitations and the profound impact that one woman can have on history.
