"A Son of the Celestial" is a short story by Willa Cather. It was first published on 15 January 1893 in The Hesperian.[1]
Plot summary
In San Francisco, Yung and Ponter share their penchant for both Sanskrit and opium. When Yung fails to understand Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Ponter blames the Chinese man for being heathen. As requested, after Yung's death, Ponter sends him back to China.
Characters
Yung Le Ho, a white-haired Chinese man who lives in San Francisco. Although he was born in Nanking, he moved to India and finally to the United States. He understands Sanskrit and makes opium. He runs a bazaar for a living.
Ponter, a Professor of Sanskrit. He now works in a boarding-house and as an amanuensis for a lawyer. He likes to smoke opium.
