Symbols
Themes
Adaptation
Culture
100
Ears
What is the cause of being different and embarrassed of self. It is what sends Ralph/Yifeng away from everyone else around him.
100
Choosing of the name "Ralph"
What is the representation of adapting to the American lifestyle
100
Adaption of the name "Ralph"
What is Ralph asking Cammy, a secretary at school to give him the name. she chose ralph from her list of ex-boyfriends.
100
Name significance in Asian cultures vs in American cultures
What is Asian culture having more significance because a name stands for your identity and is carefully picked.
200
Wristwatch
What is remembrance of family. mainly of father & his expectations of him
200
Major theme in part 1
What is the American Dream
200
Old Chao - “if cats have mice to eat, they don't chase flies”
What is Ralph not being in love with a woman if his studies are going well
200
Beauty seen differently depending on the culture
What is each culture having their own unique beauty ideals and whoever doesn't fit into them is seen as different or exotic
300
Panama Hat
What is something proving hard to let go. reminder of home since the hat is made of straw like material which could remind him of bamboo
300
Another dream apparent in novel
What is American disappointment
300
Ralph buying presents for Cammy
What is a conversation an old man tells him that money is the only thing they understand in this country and that women like expensive gifts. Ralph then buys Cammy gifts so she could understand his feelings
300
Culture of Theresa's acceptance
What is American culture. She can be seen as an athlete and standard height and also she doesn't fit into the beauty ideals of china
400
School Degree
What is his personal goal & motivation to prove to his father he is more than what he thinks of him. cultivate virtue, have goals with knowing his limits, image of freedom, hope & relief & bring honor to family
400
School linking with the American Dream
What is the success in school = success in life
400
Image that Ralph sees in his mind upon seeing the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time
What is the sight of glowing bright images of freedom, hope, & relief after describing the bridge as also being radiant.
400
Language & speech importance
What is the allowance of communication
500
America
What is where Ralph started a new life. where anything can happen - becoming open minded
500
Pursuit of American Dream
What is money & materialistic things, as well as having a caring family to go home too perspective
500
Ralph's feeling about unattainable things & "behind a locked door" ; such as home in China & love for Cammy)
What is the things he cannot have to be desirable. After losing Cammy, his education, and his family, he misses home and hopes to recapture the things that were lost.
500
America & its culture [independence vs isolation]
What is isolation. We have Americans have the idea that it's every man for themselves
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