imperceptible (214) - very slightly, gradually, or subtle
anarchists (222) - a doctrine urging the abolition of government or governmental restraint
Appeals:
- "...We were traveling due south, directly away from Beijing." (208) This is a logical appeal. After studying a map of China, Evelina discovers that yet again, they are moving further away from her Yeh Yeh's house in Beijing. Evelina is beginning to fear that her and her mother may never reach their destination to see her grandfather's house.
- "'I think I'm in trouble!'" (202) This is an emotional appeal. Evelina becomes worried after a Chinese official questions her plans in China. She conveys her problems to the reader and makes them feel panicked as well.
- "Tears welled up in my eyes from confusion and shame. She had come so far to see me, and already I had forgotten her name." (212) This is also an emotional appeal. Evelina's cousin travels hundreds of miles to come see her, but is only able to stay for an hour. Evelina is touched by how much her cousin cares but then becomes mad at herself for not getting to know her more.
Quote:
"Perhaps what I was searching for might not be in Beijing, among the ghosts or living relatives there, but much closer at hand. Lying right in front of me."(172) I think that this is a very strong and important quote. Evelina originally came to China to find herself. She thought that her life would be more complete if she knew where her roots came from. However, this passage indicates that since the beginning of her trip, it wasn't China or relatives that she needed to learn about, it was her own mother. Their trip has brought them closer then they have ever been.
Themes:
There are three main themes that I found in this novel. They are: cultural differences, finding yourself, and acceptance of family. Evelina experiences cultural differences throughout her entire trip of China. Examples of this are how Americans and Chinese differ in clothing, food, and what they think is polite. Evelina begins to understand herself more after coming in touch with her roots and distant family. Finally, Evelina and her mother use their trip to patch up their shaky relationship and gain understanding for one another.
2 comments:
Paige
We have very similar themes in our novels! Acceptance of family is an extremely relevant theme in the memoir I read as well. Along with cultural differences.
Paige - the idea of finding yourself is such a prevalent theme in literature. The quote you picked reflects that really well. It's interesting how sometimes you have to understand more about your past and your surroundings before you can understand why you are the way you are.
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