Black Jade
Though the Amerasian orphans are entering adulthood in the United States, self actualization and self understanding feels like a maze to Kim, Vinh, and Mai, (illustrated within the American flag). With no history or family to guide them (in their journey into adulthood), they lack motivation and hope. It seems all along they long for the family and tradition that the gifting of the jade bracelet symbolizes to Liens grandmother. As she gifts Lien the bracelet, (upon her journey into the city and into adulthood) she does so while reminding her to always consider her family and family traditions in all her endeavors. In Liens family all children are loved and wanted thus the bracelet is covered in black to symbolize the loss of tradition and family values when Lien is separated from her child. The black gate represents the locked doors for the orphans, a metaphor for the life they are born into which holds limited, if any opportunity. In addition, it represents the desperate longing for love and family tradition (by the orphans) that they will never have.Flora A.
The imagery of the gate, flag and jade is beautiful. I love the use of black to symbolize loss that so many of them feel. I believe that is the main emotion throughout the book and can be taken in many different ways. Like you said the loss of family, traditions and also identity. It is so difficult for the characters to define themselves as an individual because they are stuck in that mental maze.
ReplyDeleteIliana T.
Flora, I like your drawing I think it portrays your analysis well. I also agree with the claim that Mai, Vinh and Kim lack the sense of belonging because they grew up with no guidance of family. It is interesting that you incorporated the American flag as a maze, I think this interesting because it does come across as the characters moving through their life with no sense of direction. I do disagree that they lack hope, because at least one character, Mai, seems to be hopeful of a better future as she applies to colleges. It is with this hope that she plans to find her path in the “American maze” you drew. I will agree with the fact that these characters long for family and the traditions that they were stripped from when they were forced to a foreign land. I did like the metaphor for the gate, I think that is true and would like to see it further explored.
ReplyDeleteBy Ada M.
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ReplyDeleteI'm glad your analysis of the drawing clarifies what you meant; to me, the jade bracelet looks like an interesting pendulum of sorts. I think the integration of the black color with the jade makes a very creative point with the characters who interact with jade bracelets. Also, the maze on the American flag is an excellent interpretation of the trials and tribulations that the characters in America are going through in order to help them feel like they belong to at least one of their prospective communities.
ReplyDeleteBy Sara C.