Chinese Cinderella Essay
The author of Chinese Cinderella Adeline Yen Mah illustrates the relationship she experiences within her family which defines the impact in her life as an individual. Throughout the novel, Adeline uses characterization, images, symbols and language to illustrate her journey from one who was abused and assaulted by her stepmother Niang, to one who loved and cherished by her Aunt Baba.
Adeline’s relationship with her family has both ups and downs in it. Her relationship with Niang isn’t the one you want. Niang treats Adeline like she is her slave; she doesn’t care about Adeline’s feelings, cares, worries or needs. While her relationship with aunt baba is very strong. Aunt baba was Adeline’s mother’s sister and she treats Adeline like she is her own daughter and is very supportive of her. For example the use of “ill be here for you for as I’m alive” suggests that she would try and be with Adeline her whole life.
I was amazed that Adeline could retain her sense of self despite all of the abuse. She has no self-esteem, but she is a good person and as such she makes friends. Eventually, people flock to her, leading to one of the saddest scenes in the book. It wouldn’t have been so bad even if the siblings that shared a mother with her had compassion, but they are either innately cruel, venting their unhappiness on their little sister, or seek her stepmother’s approval and then continue to mock her. “You’re bad luck!” “Your nothing without your father!” “You’re the reason Mother died!” Those were only some of the comments her own family would say to her.
Adeline’s family rarely takes notice in what she does and when she does it. But her relationship with her yeye is different. Adeline and Ye Ye's relationship is very unique. Ye Ye is Adeline’s grandfather and he helps her out when the time is right. Yeye is always very proud of Adeline, especially when it’s about herself. For Example “One day you will show the world what you are really made of” suggests
Adeline’s relationship with her family has both ups and downs in it. Her relationship with Niang isn’t the one you want. Niang treats Adeline like she is her slave; she doesn’t care about Adeline’s feelings, cares, worries or needs. While her relationship with aunt baba is very strong. Aunt baba was Adeline’s mother’s sister and she treats Adeline like she is her own daughter and is very supportive of her. For example the use of “ill be here for you for as I’m alive” suggests that she would try and be with Adeline her whole life.
I was amazed that Adeline could retain her sense of self despite all of the abuse. She has no self-esteem, but she is a good person and as such she makes friends. Eventually, people flock to her, leading to one of the saddest scenes in the book. It wouldn’t have been so bad even if the siblings that shared a mother with her had compassion, but they are either innately cruel, venting their unhappiness on their little sister, or seek her stepmother’s approval and then continue to mock her. “You’re bad luck!” “Your nothing without your father!” “You’re the reason Mother died!” Those were only some of the comments her own family would say to her.
Adeline’s family rarely takes notice in what she does and when she does it. But her relationship with her yeye is different. Adeline and Ye Ye's relationship is very unique. Ye Ye is Adeline’s grandfather and he helps her out when the time is right. Yeye is always very proud of Adeline, especially when it’s about herself. For Example “One day you will show the world what you are really made of” suggests