"You don't know me as well, but I assure you I can stop at any time" From Times and Places / Emily Hahn Pg. 354

Word Count:321

    From Times and Places was an interesting section that talked about opium addiction. Emily Hahn discussed how she became addicted to opium and what she did in order to stop her opium addiction. The story of how she always knew she wanted to try opium too is so interesting. In a way, her assimilation into Chinese culture from America was her use of opium and her addiction. Emily Hahn learned all about the ways of life through smoking and sitting there for hours talking about politics, literature, and many other topics. Emily made it seem as though this was just a normal step in her life a comfort thing in society.  In a way it's almost like her western views were shifted after starting opium, opium changed her views to line up with Chinese culture. In the text, Emily Hahn also talks about how many other western people are addicted to opium as well. People that she knows that she talks to, which leads to her wanting to change her addiction. 

    The quote that was chosen, was to show Emily Hahn's will, a challenge to be different. Emily Hahn from the very beginning said she knew wanted to be an addict, from the very beginning she was different from most people. Emily had the desire to try something new and be bold. Emily chose a life of addiction to learn about a different culture and to find some way to make the connection. Although she was not afraid to stand up for what she thought about, especially with her addiction, which is stated in the quote. Emily had the willpower to change her addiction, she didn't like being told what she could and couldn't do. This goes back to the idea of being different and wanting to be different and in control. She decided she was going to do what she thought best and got hypnotized and didn't touch it since.